“There’s something else I should tell you.”
He let out a long sigh, and she gritted her teeth. She had to be brave. For his sake. If this was to be the last time she saw him after all, she wanted him to remember her smiling.
“I wanted to wait until I was out of this bed, so I could do things right, but what I need to say can’t wait. It’s better I say it now and get it over with.”
Her throat felt so tight she was afraid she wouldn’t be able to breathe. He was trying to say good-bye. In spite of her best efforts, an embarrassing tear squeezed out of her eye and dribbled down her cheek.
“My divorce is final,” Earl said, squeezing her hand so tightly it hurt. “I’m a free man.”
She blinked, struggling to understand what he was trying to say.
He closed his eyes for a brief moment, then muttered, “Aw, hell. I love you, Elizabeth. Marry me. Come back with me to Wyoming, where we’ll raise horses and live out the rest of our lives together.”
She gulped, completely at a loss how to answer him. She’d dreamed of this moment, longed for it. Now it was here she was lost in confusion. How could she leave Sitting Marsh and the Manor House? “Polly and Sadie will manage without me. They’re young and would have moved on in time anyway. But how can I leave Martin and Violet behind?”
She hadn’t realized she’d spoken out loud until Earl said, “Bring them with you. I’ve always thought it would be nice to have servants.”
“Domestics,” she murmured, her mind still trying to grasp the wonderful, incredible offer he was making.
“You could turn the Manor House over to the government as a historical monument,” Earl said. “I’ve been giving this a lot of thought lying here, and-”
With a muffled cry of joy she smothered his words with her mouth. His kiss was very satisfying, considering his weak condition. When she raised her head, the love in his eyes took her breath away. “I love you, too,” she whispered.
He grinned. “It’s about time you told me that. Does this mean you’ll come home with me?”
“Yes.” She sat back on her chair, her hand still clinging to his. “Yes, my love. I’ll marry you and go with you anywhere you want to take me.”
She thought she just might drown in his beautiful smile when he gave her a broad wink and murmured softly, “Atta girl.”
Lord Woolton Pie
1 pound each of diced potatoes, cauliflower,
swedes [rutabaga], and carrots
3 or 4 green onions
1 teaspoon vegetable extract
1 tablespoon oatmeal
Chopped parsley
Boil all ingredients for ten minutes, using just enough water to cover. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Allow to cool, place in pie dish, and cover with crust of mashed potatoes or pastry. Bake in moderate oven (350°), until crust is brown, and serve hot with gravy.
Feeds five to six people.
A British government recipe.
Kate Kingsbury
