Dorothy, Lady Asherton, was beginning to wonder if something had happened. Tommy was normally punctual or at least he would ring to let her know he was delayed. She had been looking forward to this all week. Judith had said something might be brewing between Tommy and Barbara. She hoped he knew what he was doing. She had come to love Barbara like family after she had looked after her son when Helen died, and she did not want to see either of them hurt. About ten minutes later she heard his car coming down the drive. About time too.
As soon as she saw them she knew. Tommy looked the best she had seen him look in years. That was a good sign. Barbara looked embarrassed and so Dorothy went and hugged her first. "It is so good to see you Barbara, I'm so glad you came down."
"Thanks. Me too, Lady Asherton."
Tommy, Dorothy and Judith who had also come to greet them all rounded on her in unison. "It's Dorothy, Barbara."
"Thank you … Dorothy."
"Tommy you look marvellous." Dorothy moved over and hugged her son. They had not been close for years but it was improving. To her surprise Tommy hugged her earnestly and with a love she had not felt from him in years. So he was in love.
"You too, Mother."
"Come inside and we'll settle you in." She said leading the party inside.
Tommy lagged a little getting the luggage from the boot of the car. As he came in he thought now was the best time for it. "I'll just take this up to our room. Be right back."
'Our room' he had said. Barbara flashed her best "I am going to kill you now" look at him before glancing at his sister and mother. Judith was actually smirking but Dorothy was completely impassive, accepting it as if it was the most natural statement in the world.
"Would you like some tea Barbara, after your long drive?"
Barbara nodded and Dorothy disappeared to fetch it with Judith trailing along behind. They had gone to gossip Barbara was sure. She would kill Tommy when he came down.
Hours later Tommy grinned and said, "See, it is much better to share a room than be by yourself in the guest room isn't it?"
They had just made love again despite her protests that the family might hear them. She nodded in agreement but still hadn't forgiven him even though his family seemed genuinely delighted for them. "Will I ever be accepted by your lot?"
"What the family? They love you Barbara."
"No, no not your family - your friends and social circle. All the people you need to deal with as Earl of this place."
"Who cares?" His voice was flat but he meant it and he leaned up on his elbow to look her in the eyes. "I would give all of this up tomorrow if it came between us Barbara."
"No, you won't. It is part of who you are Tommy. I never thought I would say it but it is part of what I love about you."
"So you do love me then?" He was getting playful and cheeky.
"Of course I do. How could you doubt it?"
'I never could Barbara." He was suddenly very serious. "This isn't how I planned it. I was going to ask you tomorrow in some romantic place on the cliff overlooking the water, but Barbara Havers will you agree to be my wife?"
"Yes." Barbara heard the answer come from somewhere deep inside her before she had even really thought about the question.
He kissed her again, as tenderly as he had the very first time. They held each other close looking into each other's eyes knowing that inside that look two broken people had merged into one living whole.