As the passion of the moment reached its conclusion, Mary took my hand and walked with me back to the home. We rounded the corner of the porch to see Percy rolling toward the home. Time seemed to pass much more quickly here. It was the inevitability of my departure that hung over me. I was not in any way ready to return to the manor and face reality. I knew, however, that I would need to do so. Mary and I walked quickly back into the home just as Ben had returned from feeding the animals. Mary’s aunt stood in the kitchen. I bowed to them and said, “I thank you both for inviting me into your beautiful home. I had too much fun last night.”
Mary’s aunt and uncle moved to where we stood as Mary’s uncle replied, “The pleasure is all ours. Thank you so much for visiting us. Come back any time.”
