Epilogue
Three months later:
Mabel stretched out her bare toes and settled into her chair with the view of the newly cleaned-up lake.
She’d brought her laptop out to the temple, a large cup of coffee from the stable café, and a leftover slab of cake big enough for two.
In about ten minutes the public would be politely asked to head off home and the gates to Marcham Hall would be closed for another night.
They’d had a surprisingly large number of visitors eager to try out a new stately home.
More than enough to start paying for the renovation of the stable yard into the café.
Mabel resisted checking her laptop. The auction of the countess’s wardrobe items was taking place today and she was on tenterhooks waiting to hear how things had gone.
That money would go a long way to repairing the roof, which was the next big task that awaited them.
Her phone buzzed with a text from her mom as California stirred to life.
Good morning, sweetheart! How’s Downton?
It had taken quite a bit of explaining to convince her mom she was staying in England and not coming home.
Eventually, she and Colin had flown out to California so that everyone could meet him.
He’d been a big hit, and, although her mom missed her, she knew Mabel had made the right choice.
While in California, she’d taken Colin to meet the rest of her tech team and finally settled a few things with Joss.
She was still working as an occasional consultant, but her attention was firmly on the restoration of Marcham Hall.
“Hi beautiful.”
She looked up to see Colin coming into view.
He carried a tray with a pot of tea, two cups, and another large piece of cake.
He was followed by several of the earl’s dogs who’d probably been hoping he’d drop something along the way.
He took the seat beside her and leaned over to kiss her very thoroughly.
“Have you checked the auction yet?”
“No, I was waiting for you,” Mabel said. “I think you should do it.”
“You’re part of the family, now,” Colin reminded her with obvious satisfaction. They’d been married a whole month. “You’re Lady Marcham now.”
Mabel wrinkled her nose. “I hate that title, it’s so sexist.”
“Then feel free not to use it. As you know I never use mine unless I can help it.” Colin’s phone buzzed and he took it out of the pocket of his jeans. “It’s Josie from Sotheby’s.”
Mabel held her breath until he read the whole message and grinned at her.
“It’s a lot.”
“How much?”
“Over three million quid.”
Mabel jumped up and punched the air. “Yay!”
Colin joined her and they danced like fools while the dogs barked and cavorted around them. Eventually, when they both got dizzy, Colin gathered her into a hug.
“I love you, Mabel Marcham.”
“And I love you, too,” She responded promptly. “Now shall we have a very proper British celebration of tea and cake?”
He kissed her forehead. “I thought you’d never ask.”