Love at the Tower (18 page)

Robina looked at her father and realised that he had not been informed of the exact relationship between Laura and Ellis Hampton – a discreet veil had been drawn over that particular part of the proceedings.

“And now, Sir Herbert, I have one last matter that requires your attention.”

The Earl walked over to Robina and took her by the hand.

Smiling down at her, he began,

“Robina and I have grown very close to each other and our relationship has blossomed into more than that of employer and employee. I have asked her to marry me and she has accepted and, with your permission, we would like to be married as soon as possible.”

Sir Herbert jumped up and shook the Earl's hand warmly.

“My dear fellow, I cannot think of anything more wonderful. With you as her husband, I should know that she would be well cared for and cherished.

“And now it is time I took my dear daughter back home. We have so much to discuss, although I am certain that she will be returning to the Castle to resume her duties as soon as she has recovered from her terrible ordeal.”

“I will ask for your carriage to be brought round to the front of the Castle,” said the Earl, “and you may take her home at once.”

“Now if you will excuse me,” replied Sir Herbert, “I will make arrangements for my horse to be brought back to Trentham House in the morning.”

With one last smile for Robina, her father rose and tactfully withdrew.

As the door closed behind him, the Earl sank down on the sofa and pulled Robina into his arms.

“My dearest love,” he sighed, as he kissed her tenderly, “the day that I rode into your stables at Trentham House was the most fortunate day of my life. If I had not done so, I might never have found you.

“And now, I am to be married to the most beautiful girl in the world and I have never been happier in all my life.”

Robina laid her head on his chest.

“I believe that Mama has been looking down from Heaven and smiling on us. Not so long ago, I was very lonely and confused. My Papa did not seem to want me and even Nanny was sent away, but now I have a whole new life in front of me. Please, dearest, might we find a place for Nanny at the Castle?”

The Earl laughed and stroked her cheek.

“I have already spoken with your Nanny on that very subject. It was Nanny who led me to you as she was nearly run over by my carriage when Ellis was driving it to the farm after he abducted you.

“I came across her while I was searching for you this evening and she told me she had been dismissed. Of course, we shall have her with us at the Castle, forever and ever, should you wish it.”

“And when we have our own children, Nanny can help me look after them,” suggested Robina, so contented and at peace with the whole world that she did not wish the precious moment to end.

“To think that I have now found you again after so many years of searching and it was the Tower itself that brought us together.”

“It was my Mama up in Heaven,” replied Robina, her eyes cast skywards. “She is never far from me and I know that it was she who led us to each other.”

“Darling, I shall love you for ever and all Eternity – you need never doubt it.”

“And I will love you and adore you for ever too,” answered Robina, her heart soaring to meet his and their souls entwining. “In this life and all the lives we still have to live.”

“For ever and beyond,” he murmured, as they sank into a warm and everlasting kiss of love.

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