Love is Triumphant (17 page)

"What did he discuss with you, Papa?" Rosina wanted to know.

"Which position he plans to offer me, my dear. He gave me a choice of two, and I said I would think it over and let him know when he became Prime Minister."

"What are they, Papa? And which will you choose?"

But Sir Elroy put his finger to his lips.

"Do you know, Mama?" Rosina asked her mother who was just behind them.

"Oh yes, your father told me weeks ago. He wanted me to help him decide."

"Then tell."

But she too shook her head and moved away, arm in arm with her husband. For the first time Rosina realised the full extent of the bond between them. Lovers and friends. He would confide in her what he would tell to nobody else.

"You're very pensive, my darling," John said tenderly. "Are you not happy?"

"Oh yes, very happy. It's just that I'm thinking about something you said, when Lord Blakemore managed to blight Arthur Woodward's chances merely by withdrawing his support. You said it wasn't right that one man could ruin another man's political opportunities, merely because the first man was powerful.

"I was angry because Woodward was so clearly a villain. But I've realised that you were right. It would have made no difference if he hadn't been a villain. Once a powerful man like Lord Blakemore became his enemy, his chance would be over. And it's wrong that one man should have so much power."

John nodded.

"Thank heavens I'm marrying a lady who can think," he said. "This is a fine and splendid country, but there's still much that should be put right – like some people having too much power and others too little.

"Today we've taken the first step, by giving so many more people the vote and encouraging them to use it. Now we must look forward to the next step, and the one beyond. And I thank my stars that I shall have you beside me."

"And I shall stay beside you forever," she said. "Because this is the only place I want to be."

She rested her head on his shoulder, happy in her love, and happier still in the true meeting of their minds.

John's words, "Thank heavens I'm marrying a lady who can think," seemed to shine a light before her, illuminating the years ahead when they would grow closer and more united, not only in heart, but in mind and soul.

And that was all she asked out of life.