For Ever and Ever

shook the Earl warmly by the hand.

“You do not have to ask me. Ask the young lady herself.”

“She has already said yes.”

“In that case, you have our blessing. Promise me that you will make her very happy and will love her twice as much as any man possibly could. Now, we will need to decide on the day. Viola, do not let me see you on your feet– it is nearly light and, as soon as

The Earl urged the two rowers to make all haste as they ploughed on through the dark night. As he looked back, he could still see the lights of the Duke’s house, high up on the cliff.

“There rests a very worried woman,” he commented.

“Would that be Lady Wakefield, Miss Brookfield’s aunt?” asked Albert.

“Yes, it is. She is the