"Yes; I hope there will be time," she said quietly.
"You would make a charming widow," he said jokingly.
"Don't say such horrible things," she replied.
"I won't offend again. There's too much in life to even hint at death," he said.
"Let me know if I can see you in London before you go to-morrow?" she said.
"I will; I'll send a special messenger."
"To my town house. I shall be there. I will go up to-night in order to be ready."
"You're the best of women!" he said, kissing her.
He was gone. She sent for her maid and gave orders about traveling to London in the afternoon. How happy she was! Alan had asked her to be his wife at last! She had waited a long time; it seemed almost too good to be true. She wished she could be married before he went away; then she would be quite sure of him. Now he was gone she wondered if her spell over him would ever be in danger of breaking. She blamed herself for such thoughts, but they would intrude, causing little pangs of uneasiness and doubt that irritated her.
On the journey to London she was filled with hope and fears. Their marriage would settle everything, give her the right to look after Trent Park and all belonging to it, of which she was capable, and knew it. There would be much to do in his absence; he had asked her before and she consented, but there were difficulties.