‘He’s been wonderful. He’s actually taken Tiny back to live with Pridie, because both of them were missing Arthur so much. He and Taggie have gone to Bogotá for six weeks to get a black baby. No, I’m not sure that’s right — anyway Dizzy’s going on holiday so Danny and I are in charge of the yard. I was shit-scared, but now I’ve got you I can do anything.’
‘You always could,’ said Kitty proudly.
‘And Rupert’s lent me a cottage. It’s really sweet, but only because you’re going to live in it. Oh, do look.’
Following his gaze Kitty saw that Lassie and Jack had curled up in the dog basket together and Jack was busy licking Lassie’s eyes and nose.
‘Jack shall have Jill.’
‘Naught shall go ill,’ Kitty’s voice broke again.
‘He’ll need a step ladder when she reaches her full size,’ said Lysander.
‘An’ I’ll need a social ladder marryin’ you,’ giggled Kitty.
‘Don’t be ridiculous!’ he said furiously. ‘You’re so good and so far above me, Kitty. I really will be the man who made husbands jealous now, because every man in the world’s going to die of envy because I’ve got you.’ He kissed her small squashed nose. ‘I’d forgotten how beautiful you are.’
Then suddenly his flawless brow wrinkled.
‘I can’t figure it out. Basically twenty minutes ago I was going to shoot myself. Now I’m the happiest man in the world and I’m going to be a father.’
When the Tarzan howls had finally subsided, Kitty said timidly: ‘I fort if it was a little girl we could call her Pippa after your mum.’
For a few seconds Lysander couldn’t speak, then he said: ‘She’d have loved that. And if he’s a boy we’ll call him Arthur.’
THE END