Page 91 of The Un-Apparent Heir

Lucy was happy to hear that Winston looked forward to the change. With some reflection, they both admitted they were wrong. The Winston who greeted her excitedly the night before with a great big kiss was not the Winston she left in Scotland several weeks ago. He wasn’t perfect. He was still riding the sofa as things improved. Lucy felt safer. His decision to give her space only confirmed he was trying to do right by her. He wanted her return to be of her own volition.

Lucy knew she would come back. She loved him too much. She needed to see continued progress, but she trusted they both knew better. Maybe tonight was the night for proper cuddling?

Maybe Winston was right about falling in love all over? When they first fell in love, they took it slow. Yes, there was the ill-fated hookup that could have been a one-night stand, but they stuck it out. Winston waited patiently for Lucy to fall for him. Winston wanted it to feel perfect when it did happen again. Perhaps that was the best tack to start fresh? Either way, Lucy wasn’t pressured. When she chose to give herself to him again, it would mean just as much.

Their agent paraded them through the best country houses available in Berkshire, narrowing it to two choices. Lucy preferred the cosy Tudor. It was further towards Slough but felt more like home. Meanwhile, while he’d never say it, Winston preferred the palatial, modern countryside home close to Windsor Great Park. It was a glass house with a veritable car stables. The minute they walked in, his eyes lit up. After seeing some less-inspiring options, they doubled back.

“I know it’s not her style,” Winston said. “She’s not much for this sort of open floor plan. But the art we could hang in here, Luce. It would be spectacular.”

“I know,” Lucy said. “It’s not my favourite. It’s very you—too big, white walls, lots of light, seven bedrooms, a staff cottage, and two staff bedrooms on the second floor? It’s more than we need.”

“The garden would be perfect for the kids and the dogs. The stables are only just up the road. Most importantly, we’re close to everyone else. Ed and Natalie are just 'round the corner. I guarantee George and Pat will be, too.”

Lucy let out a long, tortured sigh and asked the estate agent, “What was the list on this?”

“Fifteen.”

Lucy nearly fell over. “Tony, that is ridiculous!”

“We can do a cash offer to save money. Luce, we net five on the sale of the place up the road. The money is no issue. You always panic?—”

“The taxes alone, Tony! And then we have upkeep. And this house will require staff.”

“We need staff, Luce. I don’t want to cause a big argument, but even with me at home, we’ll need staff. You will be so busy. And then… with a new baby… we’re talking five bedrooms for all of us.”

“Oh, there’s a new baby in the mix?” The estate agent asked.

“It’s early and I don’t want to discuss it.” Lucy shot daggers at Winston.

“Early days, yes,” Winston winced.

“The boys can share a room as they do.”

“Not as they get bigger.”

Lucy groaned. She watched Winston cross the massive living space. It was a clear line of sight to the garden. She pictured him having tea on a summer morning while the children played. Everything about this house was bright and new. It reminded her of their church in Kensal Green, where Winston had tirelessly updated everything. He’d loved the grand ceilings and beautiful light. The design was a labour of love and their first love nest. It had done them well until they needed more space because of Malcolm and the dogs. This place was open. It was bright. It was different than their massive family castle in the Scottish Borders.

“The light reminds me of our place in London,” Lucy said. “You love that. Would you ever paint again?”

Winston spun. “Really? I see it, too, but I thought… well, I have been out of it, baby.”

“Maybe we both need to find space for the things we love. I know it’s going to be complicated, but if we are hiring staff, you’ll have more time, right?”

“If you didn’t mind me taking the downstairs office for a studio, I could have some space.”

“I wouldn’t. I could use the space over the garage. It’s quiet there, no children to bother or distract me. Better that way.”

“It’s not as nice,” Winston said.

“I don’t care. You need better light and I will have a massive office at Buckingham Palace.”

“She’s about to be Lady Chamberlain,” Winston gloated to their agent. “My wife is about to be the highest-ranking member of the royal staff.”

“Oh, stop it!” Lucy slapped his arm. “You’re embarrassing me.”

“I don’t care, Lulu. You deserve the honour. I get to gloat about you as your husband.”

Lucy wrapped her arms around Winston and sighed. “Tony, I think we should call it.”

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