page38 (1/2)

Seb looked at her critically She still looked drawn and tired ‘You could do with a day off Betedding planning and work you never seem to stop’

‘Says the man who put in sixteen hours on the estate yesterday and still wanted to do research when he came home’

‘Technically I aement year’ The ever-present fear crowded in Could he do both? What if he had to give up his professorship? Swap acade? He pushed it aside That was a worry for another day

‘Besides, I’ and growing another hu Why don’t you book yourself into a spa or have a day shopping?’

She wrinkled her nose ‘Are those the only relaxing pursuits you can think of? I can’t doI want to do is shop, not after motherzilla of the bride’s efforts’

Sherry had been keeping Daisy hard at it Seb had barely seen her all week She was either holed up in the Great Hall creating wedding favours, shopping for last-

Things would be much easier if she had a studio here Would she want that? Moving her hats across was one thing,her professional persona another Seb adored his library but there were tie rooms with an almost physical pain The peace, the lack of responsibility beyond his work, his students,

‘My lecture’s in Oxford I doubt that would be relaxing or interesting But es, have lunch there’ His eyes flickered over to the book by her bed ‘Or you could come to the lecture’

The blurring of professional and private had to happen at some point

‘What’s the lecture on?’

‘The history of England as reflected in a house like Hawksley’ His mouth twisted ‘It’s the subject oftime to work as it is, at least I’hbrow You ht enjoy it’

He could have kicked himself as soon as he uttered the words Her face was ehbrow? So even dullards likeit?’

‘Daisy, there’s nothing dull about you Will you come? I’ll take you out for dinner afterwards’