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It takes very little time, walking through the museum and listening to Miss Tilly explain the various exhibits, for Christopher to know for certain; he will ask this woman to marry him as soon as propriety allows, and regardless of how she feels about him, if she says yes, he will gladly provide for her in both life and death.
If she will not marry him - if she will not accept him - he will nonetheless take pains to ensure her wellbeing by whatever means and however far that is possible for an unrelated man.
But oh, he will dote on her, given the chance.
Their time together passes far too quickly. He makes her laugh - sometimes through his own ignorance, but when her giggle rings out, he does not care why. She is beyond question one of the most interesting women he has met in his life, and certainly the most knowledgeable.
Una told him he would like Miss Tilly; he should know by now that she would not have suggested the match were she unsure. He was a fool to doubt. (Una will be very smug about it. It will admittedly be entirely warranted in this instance.)
"Miss Tilly," he says as their excursion draws to a close, "it has been my very great pleasure to escort you this afternoon. If you should ever wish company for a visit, I hope you will do me the honour of considering me at your service whenever I am at home."
She smiles brightly at him. "I should like that very much."
He takes her hand and strokes his thumb lightly over her knuckles, then leans down to press a delicate kiss to her fingers. He means it to be brief and appropriate, but her skin is so soft against his lips. He is entranced; he lingers far longer than he should.
She breathes in sharply; he glances up to find that she's watching him, eyes wide and bright. There's no reproach there. Whatever she is feeling, she does not mind.
"Thank you for bringing me here," she says.
There's a quiet cough, and Christopher straightens up to find that Mr Saru has joined them. He reluctantly lets go of Tilly's hand.
"I trust you have had a pleasant time," says Mr Saru. He looks sanguine; maybe he is as pleased with this outing as Christopher is. "I will accompany Miss Tilly home."
"Of course."
Her gaze lingers for a moment as Mr Saru draws her hand into the crook of his elbow, then they all three exchange nods and part.
It would not be appropriate, and nor is this the proper venue, for Christopher to declare himself, but he cannot resist hinting at his intentions. "Miss Tilly, might I call on you?" he asks impulsively as they walk away.
Miss Tilly looks back over her shoulder at him, at Mr Saru for a moment, then at Christopher again. "You may," she says with a warm, pleased smile, and then they leave.