"Tommy! You can't ask me that!" She pushed him away and glared accusingly at him. "That's not fair."

"Why not?" He knew it was a gamble asking her now but it was important to him. He had known he wanted to ask her well before they made love. He had been about to tell her in the pub that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her when the publican had keeled over.

"Because after last night and now I want to say yes but we both know your proposal is only because of what happened."

"No it's not!"

"Right so you planned this all along did you?"

"Well no, not exactly."

"Then Detective Inspector, the evidence would indicate that your offer has been prompted by last night."

"You make it sound as if I propose to everyone I sleep with," he accused.

"I wouldn't know but you do have a habit of falling in love rather quickly, or thinking you are in love at least." Tommy started to rise onto his toes and she raised her hand to silence his brimming objection. She spoke softly but earnestly. "You're a wonderfully loving, generous man and I can tell that at the moment you really mean it and I love you for that but we have to face the reality of what if would mean. You can't just marry anybody. It would be different if you were just DI Lynley but you're not and I don't fit into your life as Lord Asherton. It would be a disaster for both of us and I don't want you tied to me when I'm not what you need in a wife."

"You are exactly what I want and what I need. I was going to tell you that in the pub last night before anything really happened. I've loved you for years I just never understood that because it was different to Deborah and even Helen. It was real, the others weren't I just didn't know the difference if that makes sense. Anyway if it means having you or losing you then I'll pass the title to Peter and just keep enough of the money for us to be comfortable. We can live wherever you prefer. Your current flat is too small but we could find something bigger nearby if it would make you happy."

Barbara stared at him dumbfounded. He meant it. If she asked he would give it up. "No, you would always be on his back about not running it properly and resent me for making you give it up, no matter what you say now. I know you too well Sir...er Tommy. See you have me flustered just thinking about it all. The offer is tempting and I think I just fell deeper in love with you for making it but your title and it's trappings are a part of who you are; a part of what I love about you." She moved back and embraced him then reached up and lovingly pushed the lock of hair that had fallen over his eye back behind his ear. "You can't give it up and I would never let you."

"I would rather be without the title and Howenstowe than without you Barbara. Remember that night years ago in your flat?" Barbara nodded. "We said it then. We need each other, and now after last night that has become more, er...tangible. I know the idea of being Lady Asherton is daunting but I'll help you. Really it is only three or four times a year..."

Barbara raised her hand to silence him again. "Tommy, I could cope and deal with your fancy functions and pompous friends if I had to but it is not a decision we should make now. It's too emotional. We need to stand back and be logical." She rubbed his arm. "And it's going to be fine when you decide this weekend was just a nice interlude. It's been far more than I ever dreamed I could have."

"No! This is not an 'interlude'." He was angry that she could not understand this was real to him but he could also appreciate why given his history. He spoke as plainly and honestly as he could. "We did not make love to each other because we were bored or lonely or any other reason other than that we finally admitted something we have known for years. We are the only people who can truly make each other happy. We are the only ones who understand each other. Whether we argue or make love we balance each other. We complete each other and I won't let your prejudices or anyone else's stand in the way of us being happy!"

Barbara bowed her head and literally shuffled her feet. A thousand conflicting thoughts ran through her mind. Of course she wanted to say yes but he was impetuous and she did not want either of them to regret it. "Ask me again in three months and if we are still together and you still want me then I will say yes and we can work through the 'details'." She hardly believed that she had capitulated that easily but the thought of being without him now frightened her more than any potential aristocratic obligations. She knew he would guide her through it and she knew if she applied herself she could smile and be nice to even the most painful of his associates. Knowing Tommy and his family and seeing how his friends lives were as messy as any ordinary person's had softened her prejudices over the years; not that she would ever admit that to him.

They looked at each other and smiled. Tommy knew he would still want to marry her in three months and it would give him time to think through how to arrange the estate to minimise any burden on her. Helen had had no interest in the estate and had begrudgingly attended functions. At least Barbara would make an effort. He knew beyond doubt he did not want her to change. He did not want her to stop being wary of 'his lot' but he did want her to feel more comfortable. Three months would give him time to take her to places they would be expected to go. He could slowly introduce her to the opera, the ballet and good restaurants. She would not be as daunted as she believed. He even considered getting his mother and Judith on board to help. "I'll still want it so I'll take that as a conditional yes with you having a three month escape clause. Mind you, you're going to need a very good reason to say no!" He sealed their deal with another long and passionate kiss. Despite her initial fears Barbara seemed to enjoy kissing him as much as he liked kissing her.

They showered separately much to Tommy's disappointment but he had to agree that the narrow shower over the slippery enamelled bath would endanger life if they attempted to share it. It was mid afternoon and the sun had slipped to a comfortable angle and filtered gaily through the leaves on the trees by the river. "Fancy a stroll before dinner?" Tommy inquired hoping that Barbara fancied some fresh air.

"Yeah, that'd be good."

This time they headed towards the village. Tommy had his arm draped around her shoulder and Barbara had her arm around his middle. They passed a man dressed as a typical country squire in an olive green tweed jacket, brown corduroy trousers and long green wellies. An overweight black Labrador with muddied paws lolloped behind him and came rushing up towards Tommy wagging his tail from a point just behind his ears as only Labradors can.

"Hello boy," Tommy said bending down to give the dog and playful tossling, "what's your name?"

"Tommy," the man replied on behalf of his dog.

Lynley looked up a little confused. "I'm sorry Sir, you appear to have me at a disadvantage."

The man doffed his tweed cap to Barbara then extended his hand which Tommy shook heartily. "James Peacock, I live just up there on the hill. This old fellow is Tommy. He seems to like you."

Tommy laughed. "I see, yes, Tommy Lynley. My fiancée Barbara and I are staying in the Tomlinson cottage for the weekend."

"Ah, Tommy. Yes, that is quite amusing. Well nice to meet you both. Come on Tommy leave your namesake alone."

The man walked off and his dog looked at him and then at Tommy. "Off you go boy," Tommy said and the dog turned and ran after his master.

"Fiancée?"

"Well you almost are, you agreed to agree to marry me." They looked at each other as huge grins spread across their faces. "Same thing really. We both know it will happen."

Barbara sighed. Yes, if nothing changed it would but if she thought about it too hard it scared her. "We'll see Your Lordship, don't count your wives too quickly!"

They walked further along the river and came to a small, grey stone bridge that led onto a small island covered in drooping willows. Tommy led the way and they found that under the willows was a verdant patch of grass speckled by wildflowers. If was enchanting and romantic and quite secluded from the pathway. Barbara watched the fast flowing stream tumble across the rocks. Tommy stood behind her and embraced her, leaning his chin on her head. "It's almost as beautiful as you."

"Oh please! Don't get all mushy on me, it doesn't suit either of us. We should be able to be honest with each other," she chastised him.

Tommy realised she had no idea that he did find her beautiful. She was not classically beautiful but she had an energy that lit her from within and her green eyes mesmerised him. He turned her in his arms and lifted her face so that she had to look at him as he spoke. "I find you incredibly physically attractive Barbara. As you said yesterday you have good assets. More importantly though your eyes are a window to your soul and when I look into them I can't help but get lost in the beauty I see."

Barbara blushed deeply. "That's still mushy...but thank you."

Tommy answered her with a kiss hoping it would reassure her. Before long it had morphed by mutual consent from loving to passionate and as they sank onto the grass it became erotic. Tommy whispered into Barbra's ear and she looked shocked. "No! We couldn't! What if Tommy the dog came back and found us or someone else came along?"

Lynley shrugged but did not answer. Instead he nuzzled her neck in just the place he knew would lessen her resistance. "No Tommy absolutely not...it wouldn't be appropriate...we might get caught...oh, oh...the thought is rather exciting but...oh Tommy!...Mmmmm."

Barbara and Tommy held hands as they walked into the village, wide grins cemented on their faces. Tommy felt unconstrained. He was alive and free in a way he had never been before. He no longer had to try to guess how to please someone and he was amazed at the instinctive way Barbara knew how to make him feel needed and loved. He doubted he could wait the three months. "I don't suppose you will say yes now will you? I'm not sure I can wait three months."

"Patience has never been your strong suite but I think you need to learn it now otherwise when we, if we, get married you are going to be impossible!"

"So that's no?" he laughed as he stopped and embraced her. "What about we just give it three weeks?"

"You're incorrigible!"

"I'm very encouragable," he replied cheekily as he kissed her again.

"Stop that right now. You know what happened last time. We need to find out how the publican is and then get something to eat."

Tommy laughed. "Priorities."

The pub was open and the bar was staffed by a local from town who pulled two pints with the largest heads Barbara had ever seen. He apologised as the brown, creamy froth settled and he topped them up. They were relieved to learn that Tim was expected to recover and ordered their meals. Tommy led them to the same seats as the previous night and they discussed their plans for Monday before they had to return to London.

"We could walk along the river again," Barbara suggested.

"To the island?" he asked hopefully. "We might not have tine. We didn't make it up until late today."

"And whose fault was that?"

"Sorry to butt in but I just wanted to thank you for saving my husband." They looked up to see the publican's wife dressed very sensibly in a white shirt and dark grey slacks.

Tommy rose and offered her his seat. "We were delighted to hear that he will be able to return here with you."

"I know I came across as silly yesterday but I really do love him." She turned to Barbara. "I thought I needed to please him or he would leave me but he says he loves me without needing to be a sex kitten. I think we can be happy. I hope we are both as happy as you two are together. I look at you and see you were made to be together no matter what but I never thought that would happen to me but maybe I just didn't notice what we had. Anyway thanks again."

They ate quickly and in relative silence, both lost in their thoughts. As it was dark they walked slowly back to the cottage along the road rather than the river. Again neither of them spoke. Tommy poured them a drink and set a fire. Barbara was curled into the corner of the brown leather sofa and Tommy sat beside her and extended his arm around her.

Barbara eventually broke the silence. "I'm glad Tim will be okay. His wife really does love him. It made me think."

She paused and so Tommy had to ask, "about what?"

"About us."

Tommy was instantly alarmed. His thoughts had been about how important Barbara was to him and how devastated he would be if she said no. He had been thinking of ways to woo her without pressuring her. "What about us?" he asked nervously, rapidly preparing an arsenal of arguments to defend anything she said.

"I will marry you, if you still want me."

Tommy was delighted. "Of course I do. What would change?"

"I just needed to be sure it wasn't just...you know."

"Barbara, making love to each other, wonderful though it is, is simply a physical expression of what we feel. It was never about that. I could have continued to sleep with you without proposing."

"Yeah, I realised that as the publican's wife was talking and also what she said. It was the same thing you said yesterday. No one is ever going to make me happier and if you think the same, who am I to question it? The rest is detail."

"They will take care of themselves just as we will take care of each other." Tommy kissed her and before long they retired for the evening knowing that they did not have to plan for tomorrow other than leaving time to return to London.