Page 110 of Beyond Her Manner

“You are very welcome. It was a good day for me too.”

They leaned back against the bench, sitting in silence, fingers entwined as the sun gradually disappeared behind the church.

Viola took comfort in knowing that, although her mum had never lived at Kingsford, her spirit was here — home again in the South Downs she had loved so dearly. This was where her journey had begun, where her roots lay, and where she would remain. Giving her mum this final gift brought her a sense of peace.

“We should go before we’re surrounded by darkness,” Gillian said. “I still need to bed Dudley down.”

“I’ve missed him,” Viola replied, rising to her feet, eager to see the gentle giant again.

Gillian smiled. “We’ll have to resume your riding lessons.”

“I’d like that. And I’d love for us to ride together again. I particularly enjoyed that.”

“Oh, I wonder why,” Gillian teased.

Their eyes met, smirks curving their lips at their shared memory.

As they reached the back door to the manor, Viola pulled away from Gillian. “I’ll grab my bag.”

Once inside, she left the small box on the hall table, quietly hopeful Mrs Johnson would clear it away. It was only a box, yet she felt silly for feeling attached to it for what it once held. The idea of throwing it away herself was too much, though, even if she knew it was irrational.

Stepping outside with her bag in hand, she found Gillian was waiting for her, her silhouette framed by the warm glow of the setting sun.

“How do you think your speech went?” Viola asked with curiosity. “Was it as scary as you expected it to be?”

“A bit of a non-event, wasn’t it?”

“Mmm,” Viola agreed. “Everyone appeared initially shocked, but then no one seemed to care.”

“Maybe they were more surprised I could capture a beauty like Viola Berkley than by the fact we are both women.”

Viola linked arms as they walked. “Elouise and Louisa were certainly cheering us on. And Bridget, our biggest champion.”

“Seems so. She is moving into the lodge whilst I’m away. I’ve prioritised upgrading her cottage; the last owner was a little remiss in its upkeep.”

“Hey, I upgraded your precious manor,” Viola snarked, nudging Gillian as they entered the stables.

“And what a good job you did, too, especially with the size of the bath in the master suite.”

“There’s definitely room for two, not that I’ve tried,” Viola said before quickly adding, “I’m willing to find out.”

“Perhaps we should check before we leave. I’m sure I have a tape measure somewhere?”

“Very funny,” Viola said, giving her a nudge. “We’ll be testing it out naked and filled with bubbles.”

“Not too many bubbles, I hope. We wouldn’t want them ruining the view.”

Viola's lips curved into a sly smile; she’d never felt so eager to take a bath before.

Dudley was stretching his head out of his stall, eager to greet them as they approached.

“Hey, Dudley, I’ve missed you.” Viola rubbed his nose as he blew through his nostrils at her. “I’ll be sad to leave again in a few days.”

“We’ll be back soon enough,” Gillian reassured her. “I was hoping that once your tour is over you would make this your base… your home. I know the lodge is rather cosy for two, but I hope we can make something work. There are plenty of rooms in the manor if you need space to work. The last owner had the gall to leave a grand piano behind, which I suppose you could use.”

“Did she?” Viola recoiled in faux horror. “How rude. If only she had left a priceless painting instead.”

Gillian smiled. “What I’m trying to say is Kingsford is as much yours as it is mine. I hope you know that — even if you did abandon it.”

“You abandoned the manor first.”

“I was forcibly removed against my will. It’s different to jumping into a helicopter and flying off.”

Viola grinned; she’d missed their playful teasing. “I was forced to leave, too, by my feelings for this hot, sexy woman I fell in love with, but now that she’s all mine, I guess I could find a way to live with her.” Viola stroked Dudley’s soft neck as Agatha appeared from nowhere and brushed against her leg. “You and I could brand ourselves as the ‘Ladies of the Lodge’.”

“I think I’m happy being just Gillian.”

“‘Just Gillian’ has a ring to it, I suppose.” Viola grinned and pulled a frowning Gillian toward her, placing a kiss on her lips before she could protest.

THE END