`` Yes , I did , '' she said slowly . `` Do you care still ? '' he asked . She hid her face against his shoulder . `` Yes , '' she whispered . `` Then we 'll go back to the house and be married , '' he said joyfully . Esme broke away and stared at him . `` Married ! '' `` Yes , married . We 've wasted ten years and we 're not going to waste another minute . We 're not , I say . '' `` Selwyn ! It 's impossible . '' `` I have expurgated that word from my dictionary . It 's the very simplest thing when you look at it in an unprejudiced way . Here is a ready-made wedding and decorations and assembled guests , a minister on the spot and a state where no licence is required . You have a very pretty new dress on and you love me . I have a plain gold ring on my little finger that will fit you . Are n't all the conditions fulfilled ? Where is the sense of waiting and having another family upheaval in a few weeks ' time ? ''
`` I understand why you have made such a success XXXXX the law , '' said Esme , `` but -- '' `` There are no buts .
Esme against at in licence minute of on to years