Page 43 of Christmas Spirits at Honeywell House (Ghosts of Rowan Vale #3)
‘I understand,’ he repeated kindly. ‘When Clara arrived, you were afraid I would leave you to be with my flesh and blood family, so you contrived to keep the two of us separate, just as you did to Mia and Florence for much the same reason. I should have realised that. All your talk of James and bad blood was true enough, I expect, but it wasn’t what drove you to lie to me, was it? ’
Deeply ashamed, Agnes shook her head. ‘I can’t bear it,’ she murmured tearfully. ‘The thought of you leaving me. I can’t even… I am so sorry, Mr Wyndham.’
‘Agnes, my dear, you don’t have to apologise.
I know what you went through with Cyril Ashcroft.
That I referred to you as Mrs Ashcroft the other night fills me with deep shame.
That man damaged you and hurt you so much that you believe yourself to be unworthy of anyone’s love and feel you must cling to those you hold dearest, for fear they will abandon you. ’
He gently stroked her hair, a look of affection in his eyes that made her feel as if she was melting under his gaze.
‘I will never abandon you,’ he told her.
‘Not out of duty, or pity, or whatever it is you imagine keeps me with you. Don’t you understand, my dear?
My dearest, beautiful Agnes. I love you.
I love you with all my heart. You mean everything to me, and I could no more be without you than you could be without me.
We are meant to be together, my love. Through all eternity.
And I truly believe that is the reason why we did not move on after we each passed away.
We were allowed to stay here so we could find each other and be together forever.
I used to think I was here as some sort of punishment, but now I realise it is the exact opposite.
I have been given a second chance. You are my reward, Agnes. ’
Agnes couldn’t speak. She gazed at the man she loved and wondered what on earth she’d ever done to deserve such happiness. How she longed to kiss those lips and stroke his hair, how she ached to tell him how much she worshipped and adored him.
But she didn’t dare. It could lead to something neither of them could stop, and that would be wrong.
Perhaps, if they gave in to their urges, God might punish them by separating them again.
It could never be. But hearing his words – maybe that was enough.
If that was all she was ever allowed, she could be happy. Contented. Couldn’t she?
‘Oh, Mr Wyndham,’ she murmured at last. She gulped down her emotions as best she could and squeezed his hand, not knowing how else to respond.
The door opened and they pulled apart, looking round to see Brodie, Callie, Mia, Immi and Florence, along with a rather breathless Lawrie.
‘These wretched stairs are getting too much for me,’ he said. ‘I hope you have a good reason for summoning us up here, Aubrey.’
‘Especially,’ said Brodie wryly, ‘as Mia and I can’t see or hear you.’
‘I just didn’t want the two of you to feel left out,’ Mr Wyndham said, smiling. He got to his feet. ‘Do come in and sit down.’
Callie quickly repeated what he’d said, and the five of them, along with Florence, sat down.
‘Don’t worry,’ Callie told a bemused Brodie and Mia. ‘I’ll tell you what he says after he’s finished saying it.’
‘This evening,’ Mr Wyndham continued, ‘I went to All Souls to see Silas Alexander. The two of us had quite a long chat – our second in a matter of days, as it happens.’
‘The old goat?’ Florence asked, wrinkling her nose. ‘Whatcha wanna go see ’im for?’
‘Florence, darling,’ her father said, ‘would you mind very much not interrupting me while I tell you what it is I have to say?’
‘Sorry, Poppa,’ she said meekly, snuggling into Agnes’s side when her mother put her arm around her.
‘This situation between Agnes and myself cannot go on as it is,’ he said firmly. ‘It’s not fair to either of us.’
Agnes experienced a sudden surge of fear. Even with everything Mr Wyndham had just told her, she was so conditioned to expect the worst that her first thought was that he was about to announce his departure from the Hall.
‘I love Agnes deeply,’ he said firmly, turning to smile at her.
‘And she loves me. We wish to be together for the rest of our afterlives, but the situation at present is far from satisfactory. That is why I have spoken to the Reverend, and after some debate—’ His lips twitched in amusement.
‘I feel now is the right time to ask a very important question.’
To Agnes’s astonishment, he dropped onto one knee and reached for her hand.
‘My dearest love, you know you are everything in the world to me. Will you please do me the honour of becoming my wife?’
There was a gasp from Callie, Immi and Lawrie.
Agnes stared at the man she loved in bewilderment. ‘But – but Mr Wyndham. How can we?’
‘Till death us do part,’ Aubrey explained.
‘Those are the marriage vows we made to Cyril and Elspeth. The promises we made ended upon our deaths, my darling. I have consulted with Silas on the matter. He can find no reason that compels us to hold fast to those vows any longer. He is perfectly happy to marry us in All Souls. He will even construct some new vows that are more suited for our circumstances. In other words, we will be officially married, my beloved. If you will have me.’
Agnes opened and closed her mouth, too stunned to reply.
‘He’s asked her to marry him!’ Callie cried.
‘No way!’ Mia laughed and clapped her hands. ‘Fantastic news.’
‘Has she said yes?’ Brodie asked.
There was a long silence.
‘Agnes?’ Mr Wyndham asked, sounding suddenly uncertain. ‘ Will you have me?’
‘Oh, you beautiful, beautiful man!’ Agnes launched herself into his arms and hugged him tightly. ‘Of course I will have you, Aubrey! Yes, yes, and a thousand times yes!’
She was dimly aware of a huge cheer going up from the other people in the room, and of Callie quickly informing Mia and Brodie that the proposal had been accepted, although they both assured her that they’d realised that from the cheering.
Everything quickly became a blur as her betrothed’s lips found hers and she experienced the very first loving, passionate kiss of her life.
‘Well,’ Callie said, ‘talk about sealing it with a kiss!’
‘Good heavens,’ Lawrie said. ‘How, er, charming. So happy for you both.’
‘Blimey,’ Immi giggled. ‘I think they’re stuck together!’
‘’Ang on a minute,’ said Florence. ‘Are you telling me they ain’t already married? Well, ain’t that a bloomin’ turn up for the books?’