Chapter 43

Michael was at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for Louisa, as they had arranged. It didn't take her long to show up and see that he looked in a bad mood. "Is there a problem, Michael?" she asked.

"No…nothing to worry about, Lou." He spoke, smiling at her. "Shall we go for a walk in the garden?"

"It's all right." She replied and he offered his arm, which she gladly accepted. "Michael, can I keep calling you that or should I do like the others? My lord?"

Michael laughed.

"You and I don't have these formalities, Lou." He spoke, still smiling.

"Oh, don't laugh at me!" she scolded. "I asked why you are now a Marquis."

"And I'm still your cousin and..." He trailed off.

"Which is?" She asked.

"Your future husband." He said, puffing out his chest.

"Husband?" Louisa repeated, asking.

"Exactly."

Louisa smiled. She knew he liked her and, to be honest, she liked him. Not as much as…well, it didn't matter.

"Very well then, husband." She spoke and Michael broke into a huge smile.