Greensgate II, The Story and Romance Continues

[Girithostien]

It is the new year of 1821,autumn, we are under the rule of George the 4th in the house of Hanover. The Mr and Mrs Devilin Cynster are residing in London. The Mr and Mrs Simon Cynster are residing in Woodbryne in the country not too far from greensgate for Mr Cynsters Proffession. And the Clarkes are to be found happily married in their house of choice.

((sorry i didnt know where the Clarkes reside!))

*Simon had been kept busy due to his practice although he had kept a close eye on his wifes health when he could, and had the house keeper reporting any fits of the lungs.But he had reports of her swooning a few times which was out of character. He smiled to himself and before going to dinner sought her out*

Simon: *finding her folding a sheet in her room he approached her with a kiss on her cheek* Hello Dearest, how many children would you like to have.

Cora: *stunned at the topic of converstation* I had not really thought upon it you are sounding like my father *she chuckled and then tried to look serious* , I have been ill these past weeks and have not
thought on it sorry *she said rubbing his cheek with her hand*

Simon: Have you been ill just of the mornings?

Cora: Yes, but how would you know, you are always gone upon apppointments when I awake, tis a pity in some cases, not that I should like you to see me ill, but I should like to greet you of a morning no less. *she noticed him smiling at her and she thought it odd* Why do you smile so at me?

Simon: Have you been, er *he searched for a word* indisposed as of late?

Cora: No, but it sometimes happens.

Simon: Cora dearest *he took her hand and kissed it*, I think it is safe for me to say that we are to become a mother and father.

Cora: *she was speechless*

[Linedhel]

((LOL omg, what a way to start this! check out this drawing timeline of fashions! http://www.pemberley.com/janeinfo/17941887.gif

Isabel and Devilin had settled comfortably into their residence in London. He had not been called to service for the crown after the new king came into power. Isabel was happy for this, but Devilin was often bored with horse-racing and breeding. The fact that they lived in LONDON and him in this profession was rather strange, but he was rich enough to be the idle gentleman.

Isabel was sitting at her writing desk that she had brought from her house in Greensgate. The days were getting cool again, and she had a light shawl around her shoulders for a fire would have been too hot.

Housekeeping had been annoying at first, for her mother usually had taken care of it. But she had an exceptional housekeeper who only came to her to find out the weekly allowance for food and necessary items, and her being a scots woman, nothing was wasted.

Isabel dipped her quill into the ink and wrote to Cora.

"Dearest Cora,

I hope you are feeling well of late. I have just returned from the most horrid of afternoon teas with Mrs. DePaul. She has the unfortunate talent of being able to find out things about your private life that many should never know except the housekeeper.
The Audacity of that woman is incomprehensible for you I am sure. She found out (through what person I am not sure. It must be the maid, for my housekeeper could not have known this) that I have been having headaches and then proceeded to refer me to a doctor who specializes in head complaints.
Devilin has knowledge of my headaches, but they are not serious enough to call a doctor for.
The maid has been called for damp clothes for my forehead, but that is the extent of it. There was one day when I felt as though my head would burst if i looked at any light, or heard any sound. Devilin threatened to call your husband, but I refused to let him.
I have been missing you and Alexandria so much, and I gather from your letters that the prospect of seeing you any time soon are slim. How wonderful for you and Simon though! I hope for your sake that it is a girl, but I am sure Simon would not dislike a son.
Devilin and I have spoke of children little, though I will not disclose any thing in such a private matter, even if you are my closest of friends.
There are things a husband and wife are meant to keep within their married life in secret.

Ah, there is the door ringing again. I suspect it is another Mrs. Whats-her-name wishing me well, and prescribing a treatment for my head complaints. Mrs. DePaul is SUCH a gossip. I cannot abide her.

I have just returned to this letter after spending half an hour with a doctor who wished to examine me. I argued with him for so long it GAVE me a headache. (I wonder if that was his intent) He would not leave! Finally Devilin came home and politely pushed him out the door. Now I must lie down, the light from my candle hurts my eyes, and I have a dinner to go to with Devilin this evening. Some Knight and his Ladywho he has managed to gain favor with. I plan to eat little and talk much.
Take care dearest, I will write again soon,
Yours,
I.C.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Isabel sealed the envelope and layed down on her bed with a pillow over her face to take a short nap to ease her headache. Why had she complained of her head to Cora? What she must feel every morning now that the baby was coming....

[Girithostien]

((Yep, i like to start things with a bang! acutally i made a mistake it should be summer, sorry the north/south hemisphere thing is screwing with me! cool timeline!))

Cora was now being watched like a hawke by her house keeper Fitzgerald and her husband. Before this she was perfectly happy dealing with the vegetable garden on her own, tending her chickens, now she was resorted to teaching Major new words or strolling the corridors fixing odds and ends, mainly portraits that werent straight. She was a little concerned about how her stomach would grow and the use of corsets, she found it better not to worry about it just yet and deal with it when it came. Any excuse by anyone present was to have her seated and not exert herself, and she was apt to exclaim more than once;

Cora: I am with child, I do not have the plague! Please dearest, may we go and visit the Cynsters? I am only 2 months far, it shant be a bother to me. I long for company! See I have a note from our sister, she is a little unwell herself.

Simon: I'll go, only because I have been called there already, I was to tell you tomorrow, but you are not showing yet, imagine the tounges if they saw you at 8 months!

Cora: Thankyou Simon. And I shall remain home after that if you wish it of me, may I write a letter to Henry and Alex?

Simon: I see no way of stopping you! It is a wonder it took so short a time for the news to reach London when we have not had a formal announcement, I must keep an eye on the staff.

Cora: I can do that, I am home most of the time, I shall have nothing better to do with myself come a few months time!

Simon: Very well, we'll both do it! *he hugged her rubbing her back and then kissed her forehead and left the room to leave her write her letter*

*she drew her quill and sat at the desk, she sat daydreaming for a while, the fashions were changing, if the dresses she wore when she was a little girl were still the height of fashion she might have been able to get away with going out in public a little longer than now, a well placed shawl would have done nicely, now, she wasnt so sure a shawl would suffice*

[Linedhel]

Isabel dressed herself that night. Devilin would return home only long enough to change his clothes and then leave with her. They talked to eachother through their open doorway between their rooms.

"Lord Ramesley has said that he would like me to take charge of his horse breeding for him. His buisiness in parliament and all has taken him from doing things which he likes unfortunately."

"The man takes pleasure in breeding horses?" Isabel said jokingly. She passed the door and looked in long enough to catch Devilin's eye and pull a face at him.

"Yes dear, there are some odd men who enjoy the hobby and PROFIT of it."

"Yes...yes...profit." She muttered as she concentrated on putting her hair back. The maid was off tonight, and she wanted her hair to look nice for the Ramesleys.

Devilin tied his cravat and messed with his hair for more than a minute when he was satisfied. He came through the door to stand behind Isabel.

"Oh you disgust me. How I envy men when it comes to preparing for a night on London."

"Mmm...I don't know if you should envy us. I spent much more time getting ready before I married you."

"Ah I see... and now you don't care?"

Devilin kissed her neck after she put her arms down to look at her finished hair. It was up off her neck, but pinned and curled in places that were supposed to be the new fashion. She wished she could just put it back like she had used to.

"Wear the locket tonight?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

"You don't always wear it out in public."

"If it's not on my neck dearest, it's elsewhere."

"Oho! I see."

Isabel and Devilin rose and left for the dinner party at the Ramesley's. Both joking and using playful bickering to converse until they got there.

[Girithostien]

The letter she sent off to the Clarkes contained the following:

Dearest Brother and Sister

I like writing that now, I have some news which I hope has not reached you through other channels. Simon and I are to be proud parents early next year. I wanted you to hear it from us first, it appears we have a rather talkative servant in our midst. I hope you are finding married life as fine as we are. I hope to make a trip to visit you before the summer is out. My best wishes to you both.

CC

Mrs F: Mrs Cynster

Cora: *she ignored this at first, she was always forgetting her new title and it caused some of the staff to think she had complete leave of her senses* Oh sorry Mrs Fitzgerald! My mind was elsewhere!

Mrs F: think nothing of it. The cloth you ordered is just come I have taken it to your room.

Cora: Thankyou. It is rather late for it to come isnt it?

Mrs F: Things are always a little late around here ma'am.

Cora: very well, thankyou. *cora had some cloth left over from some her single status and was planning to make a blanket, hand sewn of course, she had a feeling many a day would be passed with not much to do, this would help her idleness*
~at dinner~
Simon: You shall have to plan a dinner soon, I shall have to show you off to the neighbourhood and you to show of your hostess skills!

Cora: *nearly dropping her spoon* Oh yes, I shall wont I! The Clarkes and Cynsters shall be apart to it wont they?

Simon: Do not fret, they shall have an invite as well and if all goes well we might make a formal announcement then. Alright?

Cora: *she shot him a smile* Alright *after dinner they retired to the parlour, simon sat and read the paper commenting every now and then on an article he came across* Mrs Kirk came by today requesting I have tea with her in the next day or two. She seems a somewhat aimable lady.

Simon: Kirk? Kirk..Oh yes, the Kirks, Mr Kirk is curate, but a very wealthy one, he is highly respected around here.

Cora: really. Well I see no reason not to get along with her.

[Linedhel]

Devilin and isabel returned home later than they had expected that night. The conversation was quite refreshing. (considering) And Lady Ramesley was not but two years her senior, so she had had a lovely time talking with her and remembering the old fashions of their childhood.

The couple went straight to bed and Isabel woke next morning to find a note on her other pillow.

"Dearest,
I did not want to disturb you for I knew you must be tired from last evening.
I will be gone most of today and won't return until after dinner. Have the cook save me a plate of something for when I come home.

Love you,
Devilin"

Isabel smiled and smoothed the paper for a few minutes looking at his writing. It had been quick and sloppy, but she had learned to make sense of his chicken scratching long ago.

Devilin often left her notes when he had business to tend to that day, so she thought nothing of it and was up and busying herself with the little things that needed doing around the house.

She then went to the shops in London that sold fabric, and found some beautiful soft flannel in shades of red and blue to make a blanket for Cora's baby. She had pleanty of time, and since the baby would come in the colder months, she knew the blanket would be much appreciated.

[~Princess of Mirkwood~]

At the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Clarke in Kent, England .....(( City might change I didnt know where to live..hehe))

Alex woke early, even before Henry did. She climed out of bed, she turned and looked at her husbands sleeping form. She smiled to herself. He looked so peaceful and absolutly wonderful. She leaned down and kissed him on the forehead.

She went a put on her morning dress and went down stairs. She noticed their was a letter sitting on the kitchen table. She sat down and a maid brought out her breakfast. As she ate she read Coras letter.

When she read the part about expecting she gave an excitied sqeal.

Henry walked in right she sqealed, he laughed. And walked over to her and kissed her cheek. " What has you so excited this early int he morning."

Alex was postivily beaming, she said nothing except handed him the letter, as he read it she walked over behind him, putting her hands on his shoulders.

He stood up and hugged Alex, " Oh Cora, we must go see her."

Alex smiled up at him and kissed him on the lips, " Husband you read my mind. I'll go wirte her a letter telling her to expect us soon."

He let go of her and watched her walk away, he smiled to himself, then left the dinning room to go to his study.

[Linedhel]

Isabel came home and had the unfortunate task of going through Devilin's wardrobe to find out if he needed any new shirts.

And of course he did. The cuffs were worn on almost every one, and she was shocked to see one with a cut on the sleeve.

"What in heavens name!?" she uttered under her breath. "Ah...this must be the shirt he was wearing the night of my Debut ball..." There were faint blood stains around the cut and sleeve. She decided to leave it in the wardobe. He must have a reason for keeping it. But she took out a couple to use as patterns for his size, and took them down the the housekeeper to send to the garment-tailor.

There was not much else to do but to write letters, so she wrote them.

"Dearest Cora,

You must be wondering at how such news could have been brought to me of your condition. I imagined you staring at my last letter in utter bewilderment. It was an amusing picture. But rest assured it wasn't the "upstairs maid" who leaked it out.

I came upon the deduction myself! For YOU gave it away dear. There was one letter where you complained of being ill in the morning, and then another where you spoke of such things that made me wonder.

Devilin says it is a wonder how I can come to such conclusions when I have not seen you in months, and only have your letters for a hint. I say I am merely a woman who reads in between the lines.

I have met Lord and Lady Ramesley. They are quite popular in London, but do not have the characters of snobbish aristocracts. Lady Ramesley is only two years my senior, and has such a wit as I find quite refreshing. She quite reminds me of you, though without as much sarcasm that you posess. Devilin is to take charge of Lord R's horse breeding, and in exchange, Lord R will provide us with stable room for our growing number of horses. Devilin won a pair of lovely chestnut mares not a week ago in a bet. Though I wish he would stop betting at the races, I cannot repremand him, for these horses are the most gentle I have seen. Nothing will stir them or frighten them, and they have such eyes that make you think they understand you!

But I am wasting paper on the subject of horses. I have been Devilin's wife too long! Write soon Dear, I must hear how you are feeling, and how Simon is with his practice.

Yours,
I.C."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dearest Alexandria,

How long has it been since i wrote!? It must be two weeks at least. Please forgive me. I have been so caught up in Cora's news of her expecting, and various things here in London, I have quite overlooked my usual list of letter writing. Though there is NO excuse whatsoever of overlooking you.

I hope you and Henry fare well. Devilin and I have thought of taking a trip around the surrounding counties to visit friends and family, and we MUST meet you and your husband while we are out. (That is if he can tear himself away from Lord Ramesley's horses)

I have been making a few new friends here in London, though slowly. I miss you and Cora's company ever so, but I will close in the hopes of seeing you soon!

Yours,
I.C.
~~~~~~~~~~~~

[~Princess of Mirkwood~]

As Alex began to write Coras letter another letter came, signed by her new sister, Isabel.

Alex opened the letter and laguhed a couple of times. She took out two pieces of paper and wrote to both Cora and Isabel.

~~~~

Dearest Cora,

Henry and I are over joyed by the soon to be latest edition to your family. We've been in Kent , enjoying its splender. Henry and I decided that we shall come and pay you a visit. That is if you feel up to it. Give Simon my love and regards. Hope this letter finds you all in good health.

Your sister,

Alexandria Clarke

P.S~ Had to write my new full name out. And tell Simon to treat you good or I shall see to it that he wont be able to see for a couple of days.


~~~~~~~~~~~`

Alex decided to write Isabel.

Dearest Isabel,

I hope my brother is treating you right, or shall have to box his ears. Henry and I are enjoying our home in Kent, although Henry doesnt like the fact that Kent University is near by. He doesnt like all the young men strutting about, so he says. But to the matter of theis letter, We would be over joyed by a visit by my brother and you. Henry and I plan to go visit Cora and Simon for a couple of months, if it is more convenant, we could all meet up there. Give Devilin a kiss and a slap on the arm for me. Hope to see you soon.


Your sister,

Alexandria Clarke

[Linedhel]

Isabel received her letter from Alexandria a week later, and chuckled throughout the entire thing.

Devilin came in the room and muttered to himself over some paper he was reading, running his fingers through his hair.

Isabel walked over to him and gave him a peck on the cheek, and slapped him hard on the arm.

"Ow! What the!? WHat have I done!?" he cried out looking at her and rubbing his arm.

"From your sister." she said simply and sat back down.

"Some sister. I suppose she told you to do that in her letter eh?" he said leaning over her shoulder to read it. Isabel snatched it away and pretended to be offended.

"How dare you read over my shoulder. THere could have been something private in it!"

"She's my SISTER." he played along. They often had "mock-fights" to "save themself from real ones."

"Yes but YOU are nosey."

"And YOU are stubborn." he said getting closer.

"And YOU are too forward! It's a wonder I married you after that kiss in the alley."

"You were overcome by my outstanding wit and charm."

"Poor deluded man."

"Poor stuck up woman."

They were now only an inch apart, Devilin staring into her eyes.

"*hmph*" Isabel said, crossing her arms.

"You have offended my gravely sir."

"Shall we make up?"

"I- I don't know...you have said things that cannot merely be forgiven because you have offered a 'sorry' "

"Hmm....would this change your mood?"

Devilin kissed her long and hard. The maid came in and was about to serve afternoon tea, but gasped and dropped the tea tray.

Isabel and Devilin whirled around bumping foreheads as they were startled by the clatter.

"Oh...oh Deviliiin......"

"Sorry dearest." he appologised and said under his breath in her ear. "You'd think the maid had seen someone kiss his WIFE before..."

[Girithostien]

*Cora was inundated with notes from her sisters, after reading them and promising herself to write later she went around to visit Mrs Kirk since she had waited on her the other day, she knew it proper to do the same*

Cora: Thankyou for inviting me around today Mrs Kirk, you have a lovley home.

Mrs K: *in a rather thick irish accent* Not to worry dear, my I was hoping Woodbyrne to be let to a pretty couple, and my how lovely you look. *she stood back admiring her, Cora meanwhile becoming increasingly concious of her stomach and its contents* I am glad we have a young couple, the last to stay there were rather plain and ran it into disrepair!

Cora: Really?!

Mrs K: I have seen your husband here many a time helping or instructing in its repairs, you have a good husband there.

Cora: *she grew even prouder of Simon for this, she would make sure he knew how much she appreciated it tonight* I did not know, thankyou, I am lucky. *she observed Mrs Kirk to be a lady of her mid 30's she was interupted this observation by the sound of a sharp crack*

Mrs K: Sorry, that must be Colin, he is always in trouble, *seeing the look of puzzlement on Coras face she elaborated* Colin, my eldest boy, he is 10, he is home schooled, he must have caused the poor governess some strife again. I have 5 children, I will introduce you some later time, when they are not to pre-occupied.

*Cora passed away the time with ease and was to find the afternoon creeping upon them*

Mrs K: It was lovley to see you again Mrs Cynster.

Cora: You too Mrs Kirk. *they bowed to each other and Cora strolled back lesiurely to Woodbyrne*

[Linedhel]

After having cleaned up the mess, the maid left and Isabel turned to Devilin who had gone to stand by the cold fireplace. The days were getting warmer, and there was really no need to light fires when one could open a window to let in fresh summer air.

"I've been speaking to Lord Ramesley." Devilin said picking at the paint of the mantle with his fingers.

Isabel looked at him and waited to let him finished. When he stopped talking and fiddled with something, she knew he was trying to sort out a situation he had to tell her about.

"I don't think we'll be able to take the trip to visit relatives until the fall or winter months."

"That's wonderful!"

Devilin looked at her utterly surprised by her reaction. She had jumped up from her chair and hugged his waist.

"Wonderful!? I thought you'd be furious!"

"But don't you see? You'll get to see your new neice or nephew if we wait longer to go visiting! Oh this is wonderful! And I'll have more time to make the blanket for the baby."

[Girithostien]

Upon coming home Simon was not home but that night at dinner after he had been called on an urgent appointment he was to remark.

Simon: Sorry I am late dearest *and kissing her on the forehead whilst he placed his leather bag on the side table and sitting to dinner with her* But that child I was called to see, nothing more than slight indigestion, I came out the worse.

Cora: What ever happened? *curiostiy taking over, and it was polite to let him continue*

Simon: The child after being winded took hold of my pocket watch chain and proceded to play with it, that is not the half of it.*he proceded to place a napkin on his lap* He then started bouncing it in his hand and then threw it in the washbasin below him! So forgive me for I know not the time now!

Cora: Of course, it is no matter, we do not mind *she gave a sly smile*

Simon: We? *he thought they had company and frantically looked around him*

Cora: *she looked down at her stomach and beamed back up at him*

Simon: Oh, them! *he picked up his fork and knife* come now, we musnt keep Fitzgerald on her toes, she made this lovely meal after all, now lets eat before it gets cold, I am famished!

[Linedhel]

Isabel left Devilin to figure out women and went up to her room to find a book she had been reading, and change for dinner.

After dinner he had gone into his study and closed the door, which was sign he didn't want to be bothered. She gave a little *humph* and went to her sewing, cutting out pieces of fabric, and making a pattern.

She finally had them all cut out and ready to sew into a small quilt, when Devilin came out of the study blurry eye as if he had been reading without much light.

He had a newspaper in his hand and then looked down at it as if surprised at having been holding it still.

"Put it on the table dearest, you'll want it later I'm sure."

"Yes..." he muttered and collapsed in the chair across from her.

"I'll be out again all day tomorrow."

"Can't you have a friend take care of Ramesley's horses for a day? You look exhausted!"

"I've got to break one of his foals. He wants to get it trained for racing soon."

"Ah. You broke all of your father's horses didn't you?"

"Yes. I did." He rubbed his forehead and then his eyes to try and wake himself up.

Isabel put down her needle and thread and went over to him. She ran her fingers through his hair and kissed the top of his head.

"Go to bed Devilin. And that's an order!"

"Yes sir!" he joked and pulled her down. She lost her ballance and fell on top of him.

*aahhg* "that hurt my stomach." she said trying to get up.

"I didn't touch your stomach, and anyway those corsets are so thick it would be likely to stop a bullet!"

"It must have been the food disagreeing with me then..." she trailed off and frowned.

"we'll both go to bed then."

Isabel didn't argue, and left her sewing on the table where she'd left it.

[Girithostien]

Simon and cora walked upstairs together arm in arm
Cora: I am not quiet tired yet. I think I'll read some of that book Isabel gave me. Fill my head with nonsensical romance.

Simon: Try not to get to many romantic ideas, it might put me to shame!

Cora: for your sake I shant good night dearest
*she kissed his cheek and he returned it, she headed to the library and sat and read. She was still a little vexed at herself for not realising she was with child and it had been her husband and others to notice it! No matter now, she knew, almost everyone else did as well. So she sat and read till midnight and finally feeling fatigue crept to her room with a candle and took off her overgown and fell into bed*

[~Princess of Mirkwood~]

Alex walked up behind Henry, who was sitting in his chair at his desk and loosly wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his ear.

" So Husband what has you so engrossed in that you didnt even eat Lunch?" she asked softly into his ear.

She thought he must not have hear her so she kissed his jaw and repeated her words.

He didnt move just keepd peering over his letter.

She stepped back and stepped in front of the desk and put her hands on her hips. " Henry Clarke!" she said rather loudly.

He looked up from his letter, and looked confused, " Yes Alex?" he said rather monotone.

Alex was about to cry, the blasted man hadn't heard her. She noticed he went back to his letter, after she said nothing.

Oh drat him, she turned on her heels and stormed off in search of her shawl, she was taking a walk, a rather long one. A long walk might just cool this redhead down.

[Girithostien]

Henry had not heard alex, he had a disturbing letter, he didnt want to tell her but he had to, he had been called for duty to take command of some ships patrolling the coasts of india it would only be for a month he could pass it off onto a rising lieutenant and go home to his alex after the month was up and if he was called to stay longer he could put in a good word. Piracy was ripe again, the towns were being raided most of them english settled towns. He resolved to find her.

~~

Cora was having frightful dreams, she wouldnt tell Simon, it was frightful to her imagine his distress!

[Linedhel]

Isabel woke next morning with another headache. This time she decided that it was the heat. She alays made up excuses for them, not wanting to give into the fact that she might never fully recover from her fever months ago. She had heard of people having bouts of the fever spaced out over months, and prayed with the hot summer months coming that she wouldn't fall ill again.

Downstairs she took up her sewing after breakfast and received a letter from Devilin.

"Dearest, I'll not be home for dinner tonight, I've got a meeting with some other men and cannot be absent. Do not wait up for me, I should be home around 11:00.
I love you,
Devilin"

Isabel sighed and tried not be upset. He had been out late before....it was just.....he usually gave her more notice....

[Girithostien]

Henry went in search of alex he felt awful for ignoring her, he hoped she hadnt read over his shoulder!
~~~
In the middle of the night a servant was woken by a loud knocking on the door. Dr Cynster was required immediatley in the village. Cora was woken by Simon's fumbling of getting into his clothes, then the rattling of his box of ointments and his bag scratching of the desk.

Cora: *groggily* Where are you going?

Simon: A young boy is violently ill in the village, go back to sleep, I shall send word when I will be home. *he kissed her and left quickly*

Cora: Farewell *after 5 minutes, she heard the carriage that had been sent for him grind on the gravel drive and leave, she fell reluctantly back to sleep*

Hours late in the morning she woke to find a note in his hand which read 'you always have my undivided love. Simon' he had written it whilst waiting for the carriage to be turned around and instruced her ladies maid, Violet, to leave it on her table. She was used to these sudden leavings now, his proffession demanded it. She rose and took breakfast in her room.

[Linedhel]

Isabel spent the day taking care of things around the house and recieved another delivered message by a servant of Lord Ramesley. She had figured as much that Devilin was there.

"d**n Ramesley and his horses, come HOME Devilin!" she muttered under her breath as she took the note into the sitting room to read it.

She read the note and gasped.

"Darling, you must forgive me for not being at home. I have made nearly 3,000 pounds selling a horse to Lord RAmesley. The money I hope will make you more amieable when I return home, for I shall come earlier than I expected.

The note will determine when I return"

"What?" she said as she read the last line. The door knocker was heard, and she went to answer it, for she knew the maid was busy, and the housekeeper was out.

Devilin stood on the front step holding a package in his hands.

"Delivery for ye ma'am."

Isabel laughed for the first time in days and took the package he held out to her. WHen she came inside she opened it on the table in the hall.

There was a whole length of green silk in the brown paper. Isabel gasped and looked up at Devilin.

"For all the times I've stayed out late for Horses." he said sheepishly.

"It's absolutely beautiful! I'll have a dress made tomorrow!"
She kissed him and they ended up eating dinner together after all.