The next morning saw all the remaining guests take their leave, and there were many plans for autumn visits made among them. Gerry was to go visit Miss Niven and settle things with her guardian, Lord Bellingham. And then Alexandra was to go visit Lady Georgiana at Eastley. Gerry insisted that the entire company come join him in Sussex for Christmas.
There were handshakes and embraces all around as they parted company and, at long last, Lord and Lady Loughlin turned back to an empty house.
“Shall we take a stroll around the grounds?” Paulette said to her husband, taking his hand. “We have at least an afternoon before we must start planning for next year.”