He smiled, still staring at the place where his hand held hers and brought the pale skin to his lips. 'I hope you do not live to regret those words' he offered his voice tight, and move to hold her tightly to him to apparate them both back to the house. A gilly would fetch the hoses in his own time.

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When they had arrived at the house in a crack of apparition, Isobel had met them in the hall. She had looked from her brother to her friends sombre faces. Murdock had merely nodded to her and she had taken over the care of Titania. It would take only a little while to prepare for the vow, and for Murdock to regain his composure. Less than 20 minutes after arriving home, just enough time for his brothers to swarm him assuring him it was the right thing to do and to wash his face hoping the cool water would wash away his tension. He was sure Isobel, and the other women were giving Titania a similar talk.

When he entered the drawing room to pace by the fire, Isobel and Titania followed soon after. 'Are you ready my dear?' he asked, trying to project as much confidence into his voice as possible.

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