Dark inheritance (28 page)

"You're hardly likely to make a career of singing if you live on top of a mountain!"

"I could always come to London for an engagement."

"And leave mc alone?" He shook his head. "Oh no, darling. Happiness in marriage is being together. But
perhaps we'll find a house within easy distance of town.
Anyway, that's something we can decide later. The most
important thing right now is getting away from every
thing that reminds us of the past." He turned her round to face the room. "Do you like it?"

"Its
lovely."

"Good. It's our suite."

"Ours?"

"Yes." He tapped his breast pocket "As soon as I
got to London this morning- I bought a special license
and a wedding ring. I'm only waiting for you to say 'yes'."

"You were very sure of me," she said softly.

"I had to be sure, my darling—I must always be sure of you. Never let me doubt it."

She turned in his arms.

"Never, my love. Oh, Dominic, we're going to be so happy! We've so much to be thankful for." She tilted her head for his kiss, and her face was alight with tenderness, softened and radiant with love.

"Don't look at me like that yet," he said unsteadily. "I'm only human.'

Her cheeks burned and as her fingers traced the outline of his mouth a pulse began to beat in his temple and with a stifled exclamation his lips came down on hers in passionate urgency. For a long moment they remained close together, then with an effort he put her away from him, picked up her hat and set it gently on her hair. "Come along, my darling, or I'll never let you go."

They moved towards the door, but on the threshold Barbara turned and smiled up at him. "What was it you once called me when I refused to have dinner with you at Crags' Height?"

He thought for a moment, then grinned.
"Tanboer
— Spitfire!"

She laughed and made a face at him. "How mean of you! You mustn't call me names unless I understand what they are."

"I'll have to teach you. Celtic words of love are the most beautiful in the world, and you must know what I say when I hold you in my arms—
tanboer!"

Her eyes crinkled. "I'll have to think of something to call you." Then: "There's something you haven't thought of, Dominic."

"What's that, my darling?"

Her face was alight with mischief. "That your only excuse for bad temper is your red hair!"

THE END