‘I wouldn’t go that far,’ Holly said darkly. ‘Rumour has it, he was more interested in feathering his own nest than helping other people build their own.’

‘I’d heard that, too,’ Charlie said. ‘But from my point of view it’s better not to know too much. I don’t want to get dragged backwards into whatever his affairs were, or weren’t. I just want to do the best by Willowbury and its residents as I can.’

‘I’m happy to hear that,’ Holly answered. ‘After all, everyone’s sick of politicians who have their own self-interest at heart. If you do mean what you say, it’ll be a relief.’ She wondered if this would be the right time to talk to Charlie about Rachel’s campaign to get the new drugs for Harry but decided to leave it for now. Rachel would raise it with him officially, in her own time.

‘So, can you give me your mum and dad’s address?’ Charlie was saying as Holly hurriedly zoned back into their conversation.

‘Sure, sorry,’ she said, giving herself a mental shake. She scribbled the details down on the block pad near the till. ‘Come round for about one o’clock.’

‘I look forward to it,’ Charlie smiled. ‘I’m not much of a cook, so I tend to make the wrong choices at the weekends. In London it’s a bit easier because of the canteen at work, but I really must get my act together.’

‘You make it sound a lot cosier and less exclusive than I bet it really is!’ Holly said wryly. ‘I’ve read Edwina Currie; I know the food’s great and there’s wine on tap.’

‘Not so much any more,’ Charlie countered. ‘At least, not for those of us who take the job seriously. Things have changed a bit since she wrote those novels.’

‘I’m sure,’ Holly’s tone was still teasing. ‘But that’s what you would say to a constituent.’ Aware that she was probably being a little too snippy for someone who was just, at this stage, a good acquaintance rather than a friend, she smiled apologetically. ‘Sorry. I’m just used to doubting everything politicians say these days.’

‘I understand that,’ Charlie said quietly. He looked at her intently. ‘But I do mean it, Holly. I didn’t take this job for an easy ride, no matter how safe I was told the seat was. I want to make a difference here. And I really think I can, too.’

‘I hope so, Charlie,’ Holly said softly. ‘There’s a lot you can do here, in your position.’ She again dithered on whether to tell him about Harry, but thought better of it. There would be another occasion, she was sure of it.

His serious brown eyes were still locked on hers, and she found herself looking from them to his mouth and back again. God, he was attractive.