Page 105 of A Change of Location
“Go ahead. Tell her your news.”
Hannah swiped and said, “Your timing is terrible.”
“Just a quick heads-up. I’m about to email the file. It’s a book manuscript. Tender Treasure, the sequel to Forsaken Fortune. I just got off the phone with the author’s literary agent. Acorn Films has the option. I’ll adapt it as a television series for ServeFlix instead of a film for cinema release. Production will be based at Hartcliffe. I want to lock Stanwell and the surrounding villages for the location. Find out if Martin is okay with that.”
Hannah glanced at him. He nodded. “It’s a yes.”
“He’s there?”
“Mmm hmm.”
“Nigel won’t be co-producing,” Liz stated. “I want you.”
“I’ll have to discuss it with my fiancé.”
“Wait, what? You two are getting married?”
“In about three months.”
“Did he give you a ring?”
“It’s the only thing I’m wearing.”
“Too much information! A diamond?”
“Yes.”
“How big?”
Hannah held up her left hand. “Way bigger than yours. Wait till you see. It’s an antique. A Latimer family heirloom.”
There was a pause, then a gasp. “Oh, my God. You’ll be the Marchioness of Milverston.”
Martin murmured, “She’s right.”
“I’ve got to go. He wants to rehearse what he’ll say when he phones Dad and Mum.”
“Oh, my God,” Liz repeated. “Am I the first person to find out about this?”
“Almost. As you should be. You’re responsible for bringing us together.”
“Damn right I am! When I hang up, I’m calling the front desk and telling them to send up a bottle of champagne.”
“No need, Martin took care of that. Listen, Liz. I’m not ditching you, I promise. But tomorrow I’ll be checking out of this hotel.”
“Sure, whatever.”
“Time for a change of location. I belong at Stanwell.”
The mattress beneath shook. Martin had raised his arms to pound the air with his fists in a silent show of victory.
When she ended the call, she snuggled against him and asked, “Which of your twenty bedrooms will be ours?”
“Only nineteen left, because I gave one to Caroline and Lucas. I’ve been thinking we ought to have the King’s Room. Too big for one person. Just right for two. And a pair of mongrel dogs.” He reached for her phone. When she didn’t surrender it, he said, “I’m ready to ring Bear Knoll.”
“Dad’s at work. Mum’s either riding Rascal or in the garden. We’ll tell them first thing tomorrow.” She took his hand in hers. “After you take me home.”
Epilogue
