Page 90 of The Mad Marchams

“I’ve never seen you all shut up at once before,” Mabel said as she sat down next to Colin. “It’s quite pleasant.”

“Of course, we’ll have to talk to Father, and I do think we have to remember the twins in all this,” Colin finally said. “Brigitte was their mother, so they should have a say in what happens to her belongings and the bulk of the money has to be kept in trust for them.”

“That could be a substantial amount if Josie is right,” Freddy said.

“It should be. It won’t make up for having an absentee mother, but it will enable them to be more adventurous in their lives,” Colin said.

Mabel threw him a warm look and reached out to take his hand. “You’re so sweet.”

“I think the idea of some of Brigitte’s money going toward the upkeep of the family house will appeal to the twins,” Freddy said. “They’ve never known another home.” He paused. “I’ll have to talk to Luc and Lily about investing in the home farm before Colin gets to them.”

“You do know we can all hear you, Freddy?” Colin said.

“You do know that we can all see you lusting after Mabel?” Freddy asked. “If I have to put up with that, you can put up with my crafting dastardly plans to outwit you.”

“In front of me,” Colin murmured. “Like right in front of me.” He kept hold of Mabel’s hand and brought it to his lips. “We don’t care what he thinks, do we, Mabel?”

“No, we don’t.” Mabel grinned at Colin. “Because we’re in love and we’re going to get married with the earl’s blessing.”

Felicity squealed so loudly that Freddy jumped.

“Goodness gracious! Does Grandmother know?”

“We’d better go and tell her, although how she hasn’t noticed that betrothal ring hanging off your finger I don’t know.” Colin rose to his feet bringing Mabel with him. “And then I’ll go and speak to Father about Brigitte’s things.”

They left the kitchen and headed toward the main entrance hall, which had recently been cleaned and wallpapered in a traditional Victorian hand printed paper that had cost a fortune but was perfect for the space.

Colin stopped walking and looked down at Mabel. “Are you quite sure about this? Because if we tell Granny, the whole of British society will know, and it’s game over after that.”

“Absolutely sure.” Mabel went up on tiptoes and kissed Colin firmly on the mouth.

He cupped her cheek. “I really want to make this work.”

“So do I.” She met his gaze. “I think we can do it.”

“With a million quid from a few old handbags, I think we’ll be doing just fine.” He kissed her back and took her hand again. “Then let’s go and tell Grandmother she won’t have to go and work in Tesco’s after all.”

EPILOGUE

Three months later:

Mabel stretched out her bare toes and settled into her chair with the view of the newly cleaned-up lake. She’d brought her laptop out to the temple, a large cup of coffee from the stable café, and a leftover slab of cake big enough for two. In about ten minutes the public would be politely asked to head off home and the gates to Marcham Hall would be closed for another night.

They’d had a surprisingly large number of visitors eager to try out a new stately home. More than enough to start paying for the renovation of the stable yard into the café. Mabel resisted checking her laptop. The auction of the countess’s wardrobe items was taking place today and she was on tenterhooks waiting to hear how things had gone. That money would go a long way to repairing the roof, which was the next big task that awaited them.

Her phone buzzed with a text from her mom as California stirred to life.

Good morning, sweetheart! How’s Downton?

It had taken quite a bit of explaining to convince her mom she was staying in England and not coming home. Eventually, she and Colin had flown out to California so that everyone could meet him. He’d been a big hit, and, although her mom missed her, she knew Mabel had made the right choice. While in California, she’d taken Colin to meet the rest of her tech team and finally settled a few things with Joss. She was still working as an occasional consultant, but her attention was firmly on the restoration of Marcham Hall.

“Hi beautiful.”

She looked up to see Colin coming into view. He carried a tray with a pot of tea, two cups, and another large piece of cake. He was followed by several of the earl’s dogs who’d probably been hoping he’d drop something along the way. He took the seat beside her and leaned over to kiss her very thoroughly.

“Have you checked the auction yet?”

“No, I was waiting for you,” Mabel said. “I think you should do it.”