‘You are wonderful because you’ve been helping Jon look after my dad so just accept the compliment.’ She gave Helena a quick hug. ‘It’s been a bit of a nightmare, getting the house ready for Dad.’

‘I bet,’ said Helena.

‘But Jon has saved the day, again!’

‘Well, he told me that Fred saved him when he was in a very dark place. So he’s delighted to be able to give something back.’

‘He’s given back with interest!’ said Maureen.

‘Come in,’ said Helena. ‘Though it’s your house really. I put the kettle on ages ago. It’s probably boiled dry by now. Jago – Jon is giving Fred a shower for the journey home.’

‘Not easy with that dreadful thing you put on the taps. I never have been able to work it without soaking the bathroom and myself.’

‘Oh no, nor me!’ said Helena. ‘Now, tea – or would you prefer coffee?’

They had a quick chat before Maureen said, ‘Well, Dad, it’s time we were getting off.’

Fred looked as if he would argue and then said, ‘I suppose you’re right. Not that Newport is that far …’

‘It will take us a while to settle you in the other end,’ said Maureen. ‘And the family are all eager to see you.’

Fred smiled. ‘They’re a good lot. I’m very lucky.’

When the car had driven away, leaving them waving on the hilltop, Helena realised she would miss Fred. She’d become very fond of him and remembered her mother saying that when you look after something or someone you begin to care about them.

‘He is a lovely person,’ she said. ‘I really like him.’

‘And he likes you, too.’

‘Really? How do you know?’

‘He told me. He said, “Don’t let that one slip through your fingers, young Jonathan. You’ll regret it forever.”’

‘Oh,’ said Helena, feeling herself blush.

‘Yes. He’s very wise, is Fred.’ He moved around so his arms encircled her. ‘What do you say to us making us a permanent thing?’

‘What do you mean?’ She looked up at him, fairly certain she knew but not quite sure enough to reply without clarification.

‘I’m asking you to marry me.’ He gazed down at her, a sense of wonder in his expression. ‘I’d decided I wasn’t going to try the whole marriage thing again. It was such a disaster before. But you’re different.’

A thousand thoughts and questions floated through Helena’s mind like motes of dust. Could she trust him? And did he love her as much as she loved him?