The coach drew to a halt and the footman from the house raced forward to pull down the step. Rose jumped out and rushed up the flight of stairs and into the doorway where Elizabeth awaited. Sir Gabriel raised his quizzing glass.
‘She’s a fine-looking woman, my boy.’
‘I know that too.’
‘Well, let’s hope she produces you a clever child.’
‘Of that, my dear Father, I feel quite certain.’
And linking his arm through Sir Gabriel’s, John slowly walked up the great flight of steps and back into Elizabeth’s life.