Author's note: Again thanks to all of you who read this story and many thanks to LovePearls who left such a lovely review!

Chapter 4

When Lord Merton woke up the next morning, he was alone in bed. Had it all been a wonderful dream? But then, he could clearly recognize that he was not at his bedroom at Cavenham. Besides, the pillow smelled lightly of lavender. It was her smell. He inhaled deeply and smiled.

Finally, he got out of bed and went to the bathroom. When he was washed, combed and dressed, he went downstairs. Now he could clearly smell the scent of coffee. Was Isobel making breakfast?

Isobel was in the kitchen. She had put on a white apron and was obviously making scrambled eggs.

"Good morning" she greeted him cheerfully "Did you sleep well?"

"Very" he said and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I'm amazed by your many talents" He pointed to the pan.

"Oh, I can make scrambled eggs but that's about it."

"I'm sure you have more hidden talents."

"Cheeky" she said and they both laughed. "But I've seen that you are capable of doing things by yourself" she added and pointed to his clothes. He had dressed very carefully by himself. However, he had to wear no tie. This was a task for his valet who at this time at Cavenham probably wondered about his master's whereabouts

"Now, who is being cheeky? Besides, I was not able to knot my tie."

"I could to this for you, if you like. I always did Reginald's who couldn't knot it too."

"As I said, you have more hidden talents" he said smiling.

Then they both ate their breakfast with relish and sipped their coffee.

"I enjoyed your breakfast very much" Dickie said when they had eaten their last bites.

"Thank you." Isobel said and added "However, I suspect your cook won't allow me to prepare your breakfast in the future."

Lord Merton looked up from his cup of coffee, surprised. "Does that mean you have come to a decision?" he asked. Could it possibly happen after all?

"Yes, I've made up my mind and my answer is yes." she said with a radiant smile. Her cheeks glowed.

"Oh Isobel, you have made me so very happy!" Dickie said and took her hands in his and kissed them.

"Well, how could I give you possibly another answer after last night?" Isobel said coyly.

They both laughed.

"No, seriously, I love you very much and I want to spend the rest of my life in your company." she said earnestly.

"I truly hope I can make you happy, Isobel." Dickie said. "And I hope your life won't change too much in marrying me."

She knew what he meant. They both had a different way of life. It was certain that her life at Cavenham would be very different. As the future wife of a peer life would be from now on indeed very different. And then there were Tim and Larry Grey… If she was true to herself she had to admit that it all frightened her. Isobel tried to shake off such thoughts. Certainly it would be quite an adventure as she had said to Violet some time ago.

"Isobel?"

"Sorry, I was lost in thoughts." Isobel said and looked up "You are right, it will be quite a change, but as you said, change is exciting." She tried to sound confident but she could conclude from his knowing look that Dickie had guessed her thoughts.

He took her hand and said "Everything is going to be alright. You're not in this alone, Isobel."

"I know." She smiled slightly.