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He had to tell her howto leave this roo

"Henry" He turned around She was sitting up very straight in her chair He cleared his throat and said again, "Henry"

"Yes?"

"I probably should not have co as if she meant it

"But I needed to see you alone, and tomorrow seemed an eternity away"

Her eyes widened It was not like Dunford to speak in such draitated, almost nervous, and it definitely was not like hi Abruptly he closed the distance between them, then knelt on the floor at her feet

"Dunford," she said in a strangled voice, not at all sure what she was meant to do

"Shhh, my love," he said And then he realized that was it exactly She was his love

"I love you, Henry," he said, his voice like rough velvet "I love you like I never drea in this world that is beautiful and good Like the stars in the sky, and like each and every blade of grass at Stannage Park I love you like the facets of a diamond, and Rufus's pointy ears, and--"

"Oh, Dunford," she burst out, "I love you too I do So rasped his hands with hers She kissed each one, then both together "I love you so "

"I've been an idiot," he said "I should have realized what a treasure you are the moment I saw you I've wasted so much time"

"Only a month," she said tremulously

"It seems like forever"

Shehim doith her "It has been the most precious month of my life"

"I hope to make the rest of your life just as precious,out "Will you marry me?"

Henry had known he would propose, had expected it on that trip to the country even, but still she was overcome Tears welled up in her eyes, and she could only nod, having apparently lost the power of speech

Dunford uncurled the fingers of his fist to reveal a stunning diaold band "I couldn't find anything to rival the sparkle in your eyes," he said softly "This was the best I could do"

"It's beautiful," she breathed "I have never owned anything like this before" She looked up anxiously "Are you certain we can afford it?"