Page 110 of Lady Meets Earl

He turned when he realized Lucy was no longer at his side. She strode back into the room, holding a collar and leash.

“I thought we could take Dickens for a walk.”

It was as if she sensed he needed some air.

A few moments later, they made their way out of the house with Dickens in tow, and she led him on the path toward the archery field.

“Feeling better?” she asked him quietly. “My family can be overbearing and a bit too loud attimes. Marion has her moods, and Charlie imbibes too much.”

“They were all kind, welcoming. Perhaps I worried for nothing.”

“I don’t think that,” she said softly. “We both knew this would take some adjusting.”

“Thank you for understanding, love.” James stopped her, turned, and drew Lucy into his arms.

They kissed, chuckling against each other’s lips as Dickens pulled at his lead, whining to continue on.

“He sees the lights,” Lucy whispered.

“The lights?”

“That’s the other surprise.” Even in the darkening night, he could see the flash of his wife’s smile. “Mrs. Fox helped me arrange it. We’re staying in the cottage tonight.”