Berrina House was a stately nineteenth century mansion that had been converted by the Taylorstone family into an income producing asset. The building had strong bold lines with subtle bay-style windows on the ground floor. Its second floor had a line of French doors opening onto a long balcony dominated by its ornate stone balustrade. Tommy knew the Taylorstones who lived mostly in London and he occasionally saw James at charity functions. He only hoped that in his role as Tommy Lynley, friend, he would not run into anyone who might know him as Lord Asherton. He stood by the bags apprehensively as Barbara checked in.

"No, it should be two rooms; one for Havers, Barbara," she told the receptionist, "and the other for Lynley, Tommy."

"I'm sorry ma'am. I only have one room, a single, in your name."

"Is there a problem Barbara?" Tommy intervened. He could see Barbara's temper beginning to flicker into life.

"It seems my aunt only booked one room, a single for me. I RSVP'd quite clearly giving your name. Seems she thinks I was making you up!"

"Don't jump to conclusions Barbara. Is there anything listed under Asherton?" Tommy asked the nervous man.

Barbara was muttering insults about her aunt under her breath. Tommy noticed the man press a button under the desk, no doubt summoning his manager. "No Sir, nothing."

A door behind the heavy oak reception area opened and Tommy inwardly groaned. "Tommy! My word, what brings you here? You're not up for the Dexlaurie's hunt like me are you? You always hated fox hunting!"

"James, how wonderful to see you. No, I am escorting my friend to a wedding in your gardens this afternoon but there seems to have been a mix up with the rooms."

"Give us a moment Tommy."

He gently guided a still fuming Barbara away from the desk. "James will be very circumspect. He won't give our secret away."

"What secret?"

"My title. You didn't want your family to know. We are supposed to be just friends from work remember."

"I'd forgotten. Right now I'd love to rub their noses in it completely. Stand up in the middle of the ceremony and shout out 'I'm snogging an earl!' and see how they like it."

Tommy grimaced then smiled. "It would be much more effective to just kiss me."

"Perhaps we should just..."

Tommy smiled at her. "Not pretend anything?"

"Mmm."

"Tommy," James called interrupting the moment Tommy was about to kiss her, "it seems there was an error on the guest list. The room for Ms Havers is not suitable. I can offer you both the Prince Edward Suite which I think would be suitable for you and your friend."

"Thank you James. Ms Havers' family only know me as Tommy Lynley. We'd like to keep it that way if we could."

James tapped the side of his nose. "Of course." He glanced over at Barbara who was still beside the bags. "I can leave MS Havers in her room if you prefer."

"And why would I want my girlfriend in a separate room?" Saying the word send a quiver through him. He would prefer to say wife or at least fiancee.

"No of course," James said smoothly, "I was just unsure how private you were trying to be."

"Thank you James, very considerate."

Tommy went back to Barbara and took her hand. "All sorted."

They followed the porter to the lift and up to their suite. Barbara gasped when the double doors opened to reveal a room larger than her flat. It was tastefully decorated in mahogany, highlighted with cream and gold brocades but to her relief it was not too ostentatious. The porter showed them the living area and then the bedroom. Tommy slipped a tip into his hand and thanked him. The man disappeared quickly leaving them staring at an enormous four-posted bed. It had feather-soft bedding and an array of pillows. Delicate lace curtains trailed over from the canopy, cocooning it from the world. Barbara looked at it then at Tommy and with a whoop of joy dived onto the bed face down. She rolled over with an amused look. "I hope the couch will be as comfortable for you."

Tommy raised his eyebrows. "I am the earl remember, I get to choose my bed." He leapt onto it beside her and they both rolled together laughing at his unexpected playfulness. "And I'd choose to sleep on razor-wire if it was beside you."

Barbara's muttered answer was swallowed in his kiss. Deep, fiery and with a promise of great satisfaction Tommy knew he was teasing her. Now was definitely not the time but this room might bring forward his plans for seduction. "Enough," he said reluctantly as he stood. "We need to eat then shower and dress for the ceremony." Amused by her grumbling he gave her a squeeze and lifted her off the ground.

They took lunch on the terrace overlooking the gardens. Jacketless men in pin-striped trousers and vests were making final adjustments to the flowers on the rows of white, folding chairs that faced an arch where it seemed the wedding would take place. Barbara was amused by the tallest man who stood in the aisle and scattered red rose petals across the seats. "I suppose it is meant to be romantic," she said disdainfully, "but it seems pretentious."

"Did you ever dream about your wedding and what you wanted? What your dress would be like? Where you would hold it?"

She frowned at her boss. "No, never. Did you?"

"Not until recently," he replied guardedly.

"And what dress did you decide you'd wear?" she asked dryly.

"Huh? Oh you!" He leant over and gave her a quick kiss. "Time to get dressed and before you ask, no, you may not watch me shower."

She blushed guiltily. "What gives you the idea I'd enjoy that?"

"Experience."

Barbara waited in the living area while Tommy showered and changed. She flicked aimlessly through the television channels but nothing held her interest so she stood at the large windows and surveyed the estate grounds. She was still angry at her aunt but was becoming nervous too. She had no idea how to introduce Tommy. Did she say friend? Boyfriend? Lover? Technically only the first was true and yet they were already so much more. She sighed loudly.

Two reassuring arms encircled her. She jumped then relaxed back into them as he rested his chin on her shoulder. "Nervous?" he asked.

"Very. I gave my aunt your name but I did not say what our relationship was. She will assume we are...well you know."

"It it wasn't for this wedding we'd be you-knowing right now Barbara," he replied as he gently nuzzled her neck and smiled as she shivered under him. "But you need to change." He patted her firmly on her tail and steered her towards the bedroom.

Barbara glanced back and saw Tommy dressed in his light grey suit with crisp white shirt and a blue tie draped around his neck but not yet knotted. "You will amaze them," she said lovingly.

Twenty minutes later Barbara returned. Her dress was soft and loose and the skirt swirled around her knees. The barest touch of makeup softened her face and Tommy felt his pulse quicken. He had been wrong to think he was not physically attracted to her. The more he saw the more attracted he was becoming. He commented favourably about the golds and burgundy highlighting her eyes. "You should wear dresses more often," he murmured as he admired curves he never knew she had.

"I feel awkward."

"There's no need to feel uncomfortable Barbara. You look beautiful." He gave her a quick kiss on her cheek then quickly knotted and adjusted his tie. "Shall we?"

They found seats half way down the aisle on the bride's side. Barbara recognised a few other distant family members, most of whom she had not seen for years. They exchanged polite smiles. "That's my aunt," she whispered to Tommy as a rotund woman with dyed blonde hair and a blue dress that was one size too small waddled down the aisle greeting her guests.

"Aunt Marjory," Barbara said politely, "I'd like you to meet my partner Tommy."

Tommy stood and smiled generously at her aunt whose chin had dropped open. "I'm very pleased to finally meet some of Barbara's family. Of course I met her mother but sadly too late to really know her. Thank you for inviting me today."

Barbara saw the moment of panic in her aunt's eyes. "I hope your accommodation is okay," she said weakly, "we had some trouble with some rooms."

"It is perfect thank you," Tommy smiled graciously. He noticed the relief in the woman's eyes and knew Barbara would not approve of letting her off the hook. "We're in the Prince Edward Suite. That was very generous of you. I hope we can catch up later."

Barbara's smile was genuine but not at the dubious pleasure of seeing her aunt. As Tommy sat she leant over and said, "thank you. You put her in her place."

The bride was far too skinny for Barbara's tastes and the ceremony was too long. The vows promised the world to each other and Barbara wondered if they knew how rocky life could be. The couple were showered with more of the rose petals as they walked up the aisle. Her cousin stopped and stared at her when she spotted Tommy and nearly tripped as her bridesmaid trod on her dress. Barbara tried hard not to feel smug.

Champagne was served on the grass overlooking an ornamental lake and Tommy brought a flute to her as she stood observing the crowd. "Thank you."

"To happy ever afters," he toasted as they clinked glasses.

"Do you think they really exist?"

"I think they can but it takes work Barbara. If you really love someone though it is worth it." He put his arm around her waist and gave her an encouraging kiss on her cheek. "We should mingle. No point in bringing me if you don't show me off."

Barbara was about to make a smart comment but she simply smiled at the mischief that twinkled in his eyes. He grinned back. "Come on then."

They wandered around the crowd for half an hour chatting to family and acquaintances. Tommy noticed the surprise on her family's faces when she introduced him as her partner so he took her hand to make it quite clear they were more than colleagues or friends. The term partner was correct in so many senses but it clearly shocked her family. He glanced over to see her enjoying their reactions. After meeting Uncle Bill, who was apparently really a cousin, he was beginning to understand that her fears had not been without reason. The man looked them up and down disdainfully so Tommy put his arm around her shoulder and said audibly, "come on darling, I think it's time we go and get ready for tonight. Excuse us please."

Barbara allowed him to drag her away. "They'll think we're going inside for you-know," she hissed, "and don't call me darling."

Tommy stopped inside the foyer. He was going to kiss her but noticed she was distressed. He ran his hand down her face. "I'm sorry I thought that man needed to know that I...care deeply for you."

"It wasn't that." She wondered how she could explain that being called darling had felt horrid.

Tommy frowned. "Then what?"

"It sounds unreasonable but well...you used to call Helen darling."

Tommy had not thought about the word and its connotations. "I'm sorry Barbara," he said contritely, as he wrapped her in his arms, "I will think of something perfect just for you." He kissed her softly to apologise. "Forgiven?"

"Always."

They had half an hour before they needed to change. As they entered their room Tommy slipped off his jacket and removed his tie and shoes. "Drink?"

"Yes thanks, something cold." Barbara kicked off her shoes and smiled her thanks as he passed her a beer from the minibar. She downed the drink quickly as they chatted about her family. She saw his raised eyebrows. "Don't worry. I was thirsty, I am not going to embarrass us."

"I wasn't concerned about that," he said finishing his whiskey and taking the bottle from her. "I was thinking about tonight."

"Oh?"

"About after the reception when we come back here." This was difficult to broach. "I don't know what your expectations are."

"Do I have to have any?"

"No, I suppose not but I was wondering about the sleeping arrangements." Tommy wished they were past this awkward stage.

It was a question Barbara had tried not to think about. "I don't really expect you to spend the night on the couch but I don't know if we're...I'm...ready for..."

"You-know?"

"Yes."

"Good. I don't want either of us to feel pressured. I guess I should use the bathroom first again."

As she waited for him Barbara wondered why a man very used to taking women to bed was being so sweet and coy. She almost dared to hope it was because she was different, that Tommy wanted this to work. She heard the shower running and was surprised. He had only showered three hours earlier and it was not a hot day but she decided to take his lead. She did not want him to think she was unhygienic in any way.

As he emerged from the bedroom with his wet hair hanging across his eye she was mesmerised. She had seen him in a dinner suit many times before but tonight he looked especially dashing. The tailored jacket emphasised the broadness of his shoulders and his little paunch that he had carried in recent months had gone. The silk cummerbund sat flat against him and his bow tie was perfectly straight. She licked her lips and bit her bottom lip.

"Something wrong?" He was concerned by her stare.

"No, no absolutely nothing," she said breathlessly, "nothing at all."

Tommy chuckled to himself as he watched her steal another look before closing the bedroom door. It seemed his last few weeks in the gym had paid off. Now he just needed to find his cufflinks.

Barbara quickly showered. She fixed her hair into the style the shop attendant had suggested and reapplied her makeup. This time she applied it a little thicker to combat the evening light. She climbed into the dress and adjusted her bodice. She did not want any unexpected wardrobe malfunctions. Then she swore. She could not reach the zip on the back. She struggled and twisted but it was no use. "Tommy."

He stuck his head through the door. "Yes?"

"Can you zip me up please?"

"Of course." Tommy entered the room and stopped. "Oh Barbara!"

"What? You don't like it? I knew it was too much. You can't turn a sow's ear into a silk purse."

"It's magnificent. You're beautiful. Absolutely stunning." Lynley was used to seeing attractive women in evening gowns but none of his education or upbringing had prepared him for this moment. The light caught her hair and the purple hue of the gown made her eyes sparkle. His compliments had made her skin blush. Grumpy old Sergeant Havers who hated to stand out had metamorphosed into a goddess. Tommy was spellbound.

He had expected Barbara to have mottled, freckly skin with more than its share of blemishes. None of that had concerned him because until now he had believed he desired her essence more than her body. His groin made a rapid reassessment. He wanted to make love to her here; now. "You look incredible Barbara."

She smiled shyly as Tommy continued to stare. "Thank you. I'm glad you like it."

"I do, very much." Her skin was flawless and silken. Her arms were shapely and her bare neck, just visible below her pinned up hair, had a perfect curve down to strong shoulders. He wanted to kiss every inch of them. He crossed the room and with trembling hands began to pull up the zipper slowly. He allowed his index finger to trace a path up her spine between the soft silk folds of her dress. He smiled at her soft moan when his finger continued up to her neck. It was clear that she wore no bra and when she turned Tommy gaped like a schoolboy. The gown squeezed her in all the right places to accentuate her figure. "I'm going to enjoy taking this off you later Cinderella," he whispered in her ear as he traced delicate kisses up her neck, "but if we don't go now we never will."