Kimberley, who must have been the archetypal head girl, made neat and brief introductions. He nodded at each one, spending just the right length of time meeting eyes and shaking hands. His face was nice, Maddy decided as he released her hand after a firm squeeze, it looked like it laughed a lot. With you, not at you. His hair was dark and his eyes weren’t. He was somewhere between thirty and forty, and a complete stranger.

‘As Diana seems to be otherwise occupied, I’ll have to make my own introductions.’ He had the sort of voice that would soothe without boredom, and command without being abrasive. ‘I’m Drew Fitzgerald.’

It was probably the anti-climax of him not being Peter that pushed Maddy’s mouth into gear before her brain had time to put on the brakes.

‘Goodness, what a coincidence. It must be the time of year for Celtic cross-breeds …’ She was aware of Kimberley and Barty holding their collective breath, but didn’t heed the warning.

‘I beg your pardon?’ The tawny eyes flashed slightly.

‘Your name …’ Maddy tripped on. ‘My sister was telling me earlier about a Welsh-Scottish-Irishman who has bought the stables opposite our cottage. He’s some sort of trainer from out of town. I don’t suppose he’ll make a go of things.’

‘Why not?’ He sounded interested.

‘Oh, the place is really run down. It needs a professional to lick it into shape if it’s going to be a successful yard again.’ Maddy was beginning to lose her thread. Why didn’t Kimberley or Barty join in the conversation and let her off the hook? ‘It’s been empty for over a year, and according to my sister, the new owner wants to turn it into a mixed yard. Far too ambitious for a new starter … Are you in racing, Mr, um, Fitzgerald?’

‘Darlings, I am so sorry.’ Diana appeared at Maddy’s other elbow. ‘Gareth got a bit carried away with the Glenfiddich. Nearly drowned poor Mrs Pugh. Now, have we all introduced ourselves?’

They all nodded dutifully.

Diana beamed. ‘Good-o. You will probably be seeing loads of Drew, Maddy darling, as he’s going to be a close neighbour of yours. Drew has just bought Peapods.’

Chapter Two

It would have been easier to laugh, blush, die at his feet. But Maddy had never been one to take an easy option.

‘Oh, so you must be Dermot MacAndrew? That is, you’re not. I mean, you’re the person I was just telling you about. Only I’m sure you’ll make a success of Peapods, of course. You obviously know exactly what you’re doing and –’

‘Maddy,’ Diana spoke quietly, ‘I think perhaps Drew would like to engage in horsy talk with Kimberley and Barty. Maybe you’d like to chat to Mrs Pugh, she’s looking a bit lost, poor love.’

‘Yes, of course.’ Maddy’s tongue seemed to have glued itself to the roof of her mouth. She gave Drew Fitzgerald a scant smile of apology. ‘I’m sure we’ll see more of each other, as we’re going to be neighbours.’