Much too soon Mr. Delaney’s lips broke from their embrace of her own. His warm hand settled on her cheek. But he did not let go, holding her tight to him, his face showing his sincerity as the words tumbled over his lips.

She didn’t need a life of grandeur or wealth. Her current living situation was much below that of her own status of life, with few frills to accompany it. Besides, there was her own modest income from her books that could always be used. Nor did she need constant company, so use to the life of solitude that she had so long lived.

“I should like that very much.” Nimiane told him, her eyes echoing his fierceness as her quiet words sealed her fate. A smile broke across her lips at her admission, spreading across her face to show him she was okay with everything he had said. Her hand reached up and cupped his cheek. She would not question his motives nor his reasons for it felt right, potion or no. If he had not wanted to stay and try she knew he would not have. No, he was here with her and that was answer enough to quell her doubts.