Page 56 of The Last Casterglass

“I didn’t want to ask you to commit to something you didn’t want or weren’t ready for,” he explained. Although he wasn’t as noble as that; the truth was, he hadn’t wanted to be rejected. Hurt. “So I couched it in terms that left me with some self-respect, I suppose,” he confessed, wanting to be completely honest, “because I didn’t want to beg, because of my pride as well as not wanting you to feel guilty.” He shook his head, annoyed by the way he’d reverted to form. At least he realised it now. They both did. “I guess I failed on both counts.”

“Do you really want me to work Pembury with you?” Seph asked slowly, and Oliver realised just how much he’d given away with that heartfelt statement. He’d been talking about a lifetime and he had no idea what she felt aboutthat. Once again, he felt exposed, and the urge to backpedal was strong. Still, he managed to keep himself from it, this time.

“Well, yes, I do,” he told her. “In time. Like I said, our relationship is pretty new, but it’s also pretty great. And the truth is…” He took a deep breath. He’d never said these words to a woman before, and it felt like jumping off a cliff, going into freefall, hopefully being caught. “I’m in love with you.”

Seph’s cheeks went pink, and her lips parted again, with no sound coming out. “You…are?” she finally whispered.

Oliver nodded, on firmer ground now. Very firm. “Yes.” It was actually a relief to say it out loud, as well as a joy to feel it, to let himself feel it. He’d offered his heart on a plate and he didn’t quite know if she’d accepted it yet, but at least it was out there. He loved her. It was simple, it was wonderful, it was true.

“I…love you too,” Seph whispered.

The relief made his shoulders sag and the joy, his heart swell. “Then maybe we can face the future together, whatever it holds. I didn’t get a chance to say it this afternoon, but my next line was going to be if you really felt strongly about it, I could give up Pembury.” He’d come to that conclusion pretty soon after his uncle had offered it to him; it had felt, strangely, both heart-breaking and heart-healing. Pembury mattered to him, but Seph mattered more, and that felt both good and right.

Seph’s face softened, suffusing with love in a way that filled him with wonder. He thought he’d never tire of her looking like that, at him. “Oliver,” she exclaimed softly, “I know how much this place means to you. I would never ask you to do that—”

“And I would never ask you to live a life you didn’t want to,” he replied. “Neither would be right or fair, for either of us.”

“I’ve never said I wouldn’t want to be at Pembury,” Seph told him. “It’s true that I’ve spent a lot of my life feeling bitter about being stuck at Casterglass, feeling like my parents loved the castle more than they loved me, but that was a child’s perspective. I’ve learned a lot more now, and I realise there were a lot of good things about growing up at Casterglass.”

That was heartening, but he wasn’t sure how much it changed things. “I’m glad, but—” he began, only to stop when she shook her head.

“And,” she continued, “when I’ve pictured my future, I haven’t really been able to see it, in some city, going to university or working some job. For better or worse, I think I’m used to being tied to a place. I like feeling a part of things—I think that’s what I was resisting again, back at Casterglass. I was stuck there but I didn’t feel like I was a part of things. It would be different here, with you.”

“It would be,” he agreed, still feeling cautious. Could it really be that easy?

“And yes,” Seph admitted, “I do want to see the world, certainly more of it than one corner of Cumbria. But more than any of that, I want to be with you. That’s…that’s where my home is.” She ducked her head, as if embarrassed by her sentiment, and once again filled with both relief and joy, Oliver gathered her up in his arms.

“Oh, Seph,” he said, burying his face in her hair. “You’re my home, as well. I really would give up Pembury for you, you know. I’m not saying it wouldn’t be hard, because it would be more even than I can imagine right now, but it would feel right. I’m sure of that. I’d rather be with you than here, any day of the week.”

She returned his hug, wrapping her arms around his waist, burrowing into him. Yes, Oliver thought, this was home. The only home he’d ever need. They’d both been searching their whole lives for a place to belong, and they’d finally found it here, with each other.

“And we will travel,” he told her, his arms tightening around her. “We’ll see the world, we’ll explore and have adventures… The last thing I want to do is limit you.”

“Oliver, you haven’t limited me, you’veexpandedme,” she said, her voice muffled against his shoulder. “You’ve made me believe in myself, which has been…amazing.” Her voice thickened a bit and she hugged him once before she leaned back in his arms to look up in his face. “So it’s agreed?” she asked. “We’re staying together, whether we’re at Casterglass or Pembury or somewhere else?”

“Yes.” Oliver’s tone was fervent. “We’re staying together…wherever we are.”

They stood there, their arms wrapped around each other, savouring the moment. Then Seph tilted her face upwards once more, her eyes glinting with mischief.

“So,” she asked, “whatwillthe future hold, do you think?”

Oliver grinned and kissed her. “Well,” he said, fitting her more snugly against him, “I suppose we’ll just have to find out. Together.”

Epilogue

Two years later

From Country Life:

Two Great Attractions for Summer Fun!

If you’re wondering what to do with the kids this summer, then look no farther than Cumbria or the North Yorkshire Moors, and two stunning attractions that offer so much for the whole family. First there’s the recently refurbished Casterglass Castle, run by the ancient and venerable Penryn family. Walter Penryn is the twelfth baronet of Casterglass, and his children Althea, Olivia, and Sam all contribute to the running of the property, along with their spouses and many children—Olivia recently gave birth to a little girl which makes number three for her family, Sam two, and Althea just had number four. In addition to the castle itself—ghost tours offered by the fascinating Lady Violet—there is also a walled garden with a treasure trail for children, an adventure playground, glamping site, pottery shop, and orchard. To quench your thirst or pick up a souvenir from the day, there is a lovely café and gift shop on site. Stop by for a warm welcome from all the Penryns!

Over in the North Yorkshire Moors, Pembury Farm is a smaller but no less delightful treasure. With a pick-your-own orchard, playground, petting zoo, and woodworking shop run by Persephone Belhaven (the youngest of the Penryn siblings, and gaining a name for herself as an artist in her own right), it has a delightful homegrown quality. Oliver Belhaven can often be seen around the site, and he offers tractor rides as well as a taste of Pembury Cider, which is known throughout the county. The old barn is the perfect rustic venue for weddings, and catering can be provided. The Belhavens took over running the property a few years ago, and, to add to the fun, are expecting twins in the autumn.

There’s plenty to see at both Casterglass Castle and Pembury Farm. Don’t miss these two family-run five-star attractions, full of local charm and lots of love!

The End

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