Valentine Wannop stepped out of the elegant carriage and made her way up the front steps of Groby manor. The great house was now the home she now lived with her lover Christopher Teitjent and his young son 11 year old Michael.

She had been away for a five day visit with her mother. Although she had a wonderful lovely visit with her mother,she had been homesick for Groby. Most of all she had missed being with her beloved Christopher. It was more so when she lay alone in her bed late at night.

She made her way into the house and was greeted by Groby's head butler"Welcome home Miss Wannop. I trust you had a pleasant journey." She smiled as he took her hat and coat."Thank you Benedict , yes it was quite pleasant. Is Mister Teitjents at home?" The butler shook his head .

"Mister Teitjents and his son have gone to see the master's brother. The master also sent word that he will return later this lordship also asked me to give you this apon your arrival. " He handed her a piece of paper . The young woman took the paper ."Thank you Benedict."

He bowed."Very good miss." He then took his leave .

Valentine then went in to the sitting room and over to the sideboard. She picked up the teapot that was there and poured her self a cup. She then went over to the table and sat down in one of the chairs. As the young woman sipped her tea , she read the note. It was hand written by Christopher.

CHRISTOPHER TEITJENTS REQUEST YOUR PRESENCE IN THE PRIVATE DINNING HALL AT A QUARTER TO SEVEN OCLOCK FOR A WELCOME HOME DINNER. FORMAL DRESS IS REQUIRED.

The young woman smiled to her self as she finished her tea,then rose and headed up to her and Christopher's suite of rooms to bathe and dress for the the appointed time she made her way to the dinning room.

When Valentine got there she found the room filled with candles and the dinning table which was set for two.

But,what pleased her the most was the person standing beside the table . It was the love of her life , the owner of her heart,her Christopher. He was dressed in a elegant tux. He was smiling at her lovingly as he crossed the room to stand by her side.

"Welcome home my darling Miss Wannop" Christopher pulled her close and the pair kissed passionately . Valentine snuggled in his embrace and sighed .

"Oh Christopher. I've missed you so much."

Christopher smiled as he kissed the top of his lover's blond head. "I missed you too my darling."He then took hold of her hand and lead her to the table and pulled out her chair for her. He sat across from her and poured them each a glass of wine. They ate the wonderful meal that Christopher had the kitchen staff prepare.

Once the meal was over, Valentine watched as her lover rose from his seat and came over to where his beautiful mistress sat. He leant down and kissed her cheeks making her blush prettily. Valentine watched as her lover bent down on one knee. Reaching in to his jacket pocket Christopher took out a small black velvet ring box. Opening it Christopher spoke softly as he presented it to the young woman who had his heart since the day they first met years before." My darling Valentine. I love and cherish you ... Would you do me the utmost honour of becoming my bride."

Ok am leaving this chap as a cliff hanger.. What will the answer be?

This is for Akula ...hope you like ... Next chap will be full of engagement and welcome home sex...got any suggestions?

And did you notice any thing very cumberbatch about this chapter... Akula?