The figure in the boathouse had heard andmoved towards the door. Mary struggled to see any facial features but shethought it looked like Edward’s body shape.
‘You made it!’ It was Edward’svoice.
Mary emitted a much bigger sigh of reliefthan she had intended, rushing up and throwing her arms around Edward. ‘Oh, thank God it’s you!’ In his tight embrace, Mary suddenly felt safeand warm, her silly fears instantly dissipating.
‘Who did you think it was?’ Edwardasked. She could tell from his voice that he was smiling.
Mary shrugged. ‘I just got worried,that’s all. I think I got a bit scared by the darkness.’
Edward pulled her in more tightly. ‘My little Mary,’ he said quietly.
‘You do realise we’ll be given ourmarching orders if we are caught out here together?’ Mary asked. ‘Nevermind that you’ve got the boathouse open.’
‘You’re worth the risk. Come on,’Edward said, taking her chilly hand and guiding her inside the boathouse.
‘Where are we going?’ Mary asked.
‘Not far!’ Edward released her handand fumbled in his pockets. A moment later he struck a match and an amberhue lit up the small enclosure. Holding the match in one hand, hecarefully stepped inside the Mansfield family rowing boat. Taking amoment to get his balance, Edward offered his hand to Mary and she climbedin. ‘Where to, me lady?’ Edward asked as he sat in the centre of the boatand pulled up the oars.
Mary grinned. ‘I think somewhere inthe Mediterranean would be rather lovely,’ she said. She’d once read abook about the coastal towns and islands in that stretch of water. Shehad a fanciful idea of one day exploring the romantic harbours of Spain,France, Italy and Greece on one side and the exotic ports of Algeria, Moroccoand Egypt on the other.
‘The Mediterranean it is, then, madam.’
Mary sat back and let her mindrelax. As exciting as a trip to the shores of Europe and North Africawould undoubtedly be, she actually didn’t want to be anywhere other thansitting on a cold rowing boat on the Blackfriars lake with Edward. Deepdown, Mary knew where they were headed and what was about to happen but she stoppedherself from thinking too deeply, wanting to savour each second as it unfoldedbefore her. She gently swayed from side to side, making the boat rock inresponse.
‘Stop it!’ Edward whispered.
‘Ah, poor Edward,’ Mary teased, rockingthe boat even more. ‘Are you getting seasick?’
‘Mary! I’m serious, I can’t swim!’
Mary giggled but stopped rocking. ‘Peace has returned.’
Edward continued rowing the shortdistance.
‘Here we are, Your Ladyship,’ he said asthey reached the wooden landing stage on the island. ‘We’ve reached oneof the Greek islands. Hope you enjoy your stay.’ Edward stood, tieda loop of rope around the jetty, then stepped out. With one hand hesteadied the boat, the other he offered to Mary to assist her out.
As she had expected, Edward led herthrough the tall dewy grass towards the old folly, his hand tightly grippinghers. She could feel the damp from the passing undergrowth rising throughthe hem of her dress. She could tell that he was nervous from his clammyhands and lack of conversation. She knew from his fixed expression thathe was conceiving of tonight being a special, magical night that she wouldnever forget: a night which would mark the start of their futuretogether. They reached the oak door set at the base of the folly andEdward tugged it open.
‘Madam,’ he said, holding the door open.
Mary stepped into the gloom of the folly,squeezing Edward’s hand for comfort. The faint glimmer of moonlight fadedinto black as Edward pulled the door closed behind them. Mary shudderedand waited for her eyes to adjust.
‘Don’t worry, I’m here,’ Edward saidsoftly, sensing her reticence. ‘This way.’ He took her to the sideof the room where she had just managed to glimpse the spiral staircase beforethe light had diminished and placed her hand on a metal rail. ‘Carefullydoes it. You go first.’
Mary slowly climbed the staircase withEdward just behind her, their footfall on the metal steps echoing unnervinglyaround the cylindrical wall. Mary took the final step on the staircaseand found herself in a small unfurnished room. A wicker chest stood closeto the centre of the room. Opposite them was another door.
‘Open it,’ Edward encouraged, leading Maryacross the oak floor.
Mary gently lifted the latch and pushedopen the door. She inhaled sharply at the sight before her: she wasstanding at the edge of an exterior stone terrace giving views onto theBlackfriars estate. At the base of the stone battlements, which enclosedthe terrace, were dozens of chunky candles, burning brightly into the nightsky. Scattered at her feet was a dusting of white rose petals. ‘Edward!’ was all that she could bring herself to say.
Edward led her to the edge of thebattlements and placed his arm in the small of her back as she took in thebreathtaking view of the moonlit lake and rose gardens. She wasoverwhelmed with joy and excitement; she knew that the moment was coming. The start of their future. Her heart raced and she began to quiver.
‘You’re cold, Mary,’ Edward exclaimed.
‘No, I’m fine—honestly,’ she protested,but Edward headed back
