"Could we perhaps, John, could we go to Helstone before the wedding" Margaret looked up at John hopefully.

"Helstone?" John looked down at her distractedly. "Hmmm," He seemed to ponder it. "Were you planning on going to Helstone and then coming back to Milton before the wedding?" John asked, guiding her to sit down on the settee. Margaret looked slightly confused.

"Why yes, what else would we do?" Margaret frowned slightly. John looked troubled.

"I'm afraid, Margaret, that wouldn't work."

"But, why ever not?"

"Well, I can't be away from Milton for very long, and with the wedding, I don't think adding another trip to it would be possible. I still have to run the mills." John explained.

"Away from Milton? But—what do you mean—John?"

"And also, it would be highly impractical." John continued.

"But John," Margaret pleaded, taking his hand. "I would just like to—" Margaret started but John cut her off.

"It would be impractical," John continued gently, "because it would be ridiculous to go to Milton and then go back. Ridiculous to take the train twice to the same place in so short a time."

"Twice…? The same place…? But I don't—understand—John?" Margaret looked so confused that John had to smile. He cupped her face in his hand.

"My dear Margaret, I've had it arranged what we would be married in Helstone." John's smile widened. "So you see how it would be impra—" John was cut off as Margaret flung her arms around him and buried her face in his neck.

"Oh John, thank you, thank you."

"Are you really that pleased, Margaret darling?" John wrapped his arms around her waist and squeezed.

"Oh yes, yes darling." Margaret pulled back enough to look at his face. Her eyes were wet.

"Margaret," John said softly and wiped her eyes gently with his thumb. "I love you."

"I love you too." Margaret leaned forward and kissed him lightly on the lips. "Despite your love for teasing me."

"Margaret dear, how could I resist? You are the most adorable when teased." John rubbed his nose against hers gently. Margaret blushed.

"There it is," John stroked her cheek. "Promise you'll keep it for me?"

"Keep what for you?" Margaret looked confused and he grinned.

"That blush. Please don't do it for anyone one else. Let it be mine, mine alone."

"Well John, you are the only one who teases me so. So I think you are safe." Margaret smiled.

"Well that is a relief. If any other bloke had been teasing you, I would have given him a piece of my mind. " John growled.

"John? Are you…" A small smile graced her lips. "Are you jealous?"

"And what if I am?" John asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing." Margaret grinned and buried her face in his neck again. "It's just… just nice."

"Nice, hmmm." John smiled and hugged Margaret tighter. "Love you."

"Love you too."