But he didn't pursue it. We chatted on. Nothing deep, just observations about how the place had changed since I'd grown up here, which was not that much actually, and a bit about some new research he was doing. When we parted, an hour or so later, him to supervise a field trip and a clear-up operation further along the coast, and me to achieve something I'd been meaning to do since I arrived in Cornwall, I thanked him again for my sandwich.

“That's the second meal you've bought me in two days," I told him as we walked towards the parking lot together. "I'm beginning to feel like a kept woman."

"Is it a role you could get used to?"

“Will I need a poodle and a feather boa?"

"Only if I grow a handlebar mustache and drive a Morgan, so probably not. But it does rather cast a shadow over my next question."

"Which is?"

"Well, I wondered if you'd like another meal, but I'm beginning to sound repetitive." He stopped by his car and scratched his head. "You try being a man. I don't like bowling, and who wants to sit in a cinema where you can't talk?"

I smiled. "I could cook?"

"Can you?"

"Not terribly well, actually. But I'm told my fish pie is edible."

He smiled. “My favorite, as it happens. When would suit? Tomorrow? Or is that too keen? It's just I'm around at the moment, and I'm not always."

"No, that should be fine," I said slowly, remembering Celia and Edward. “Tell you what, tomorrow, unless I text. It's just Celia could be entertaining, too."

“Blimey, you're both at it. Who's Celia found?"

I explained. "Jealous?" I asked him.

He had a shout of a laugh which involved his head being thrown back and a hoot up to the sky. I liked it.

"No, Flora. If I was, she'd be making her signature dish for me."

“The arrogance!"

"Oh, she made her intentions clear when I helped her down the cliff with her easel."

I looked incredulous. "You think?"

“Don't pretend you don't know that. I'll think the less of you."

"Well, we can't have that, can we?" I said lightly, but I knew he was right. "OK, put my amazement down to loyalty to my friend."

"I already did, my love." He grinned. "And I liked you for it. See you tomorrow."

He pulled out his car keys along with his phone and we swapped numbers: and then I turned and walked away, mostly to hide my ridiculous smile. And my high color, which always happens when I'm having a nice time. I don't think I'd been called 'my love’ before. I rather liked it. Hugo had called me darling, Tim, too, and Rupert didn't call me anything, barely even Flora. I knew, too, I'd feel a thrill of excitement when we messaged each other to confirm our plans. Knew he was making me feel about fifteen.