When they were back inside, waiting for the kettle to boil, she looked at him. ‘Why did you think we’d need to rent a house, Ben?’

‘I thought you might find this one too small, not to mention too primitive.’

‘No. I think it’s charming, or it could be. And just look at that view!’

‘Won’t you be bored so far away from everything?’

‘I don’t think so. What about you?’ She realised she still didn’t really know what he was like in everyday life, only what he was like in hotels, and that made her feel wistful. She didn’t really know him very well at all in the ways that mattered long term. But they were getting closer all the time – in spite of Cynthia – in spite of business needs. They really were.

‘I shan’t be bored, Megan, I promise you. I’m a do-it-yourself addict when I have the time – even when I can afford to pay someone else.’ He looked down at his hands and smiled. ‘My grandfather would have been very scornful of a man with such soft hands.’

Then he looked up with an expression of happy anticipation. ‘The roof here is still not quite watertight, the bathroom walls are sagging and there are a million other minor repairs needed. And besides that, I’ve got piles of house plans to look at.’

He saw her expression and corrected himself quickly. ‘For us to look at, I mean. Um – I trained as an architect, actually, though I never practised. I have a few ideas about what sort of house I’d like to live in. I’d like to try designing it myself, if you don’t mind.’

She was delighted that he was sharing his thoughts with her. ‘That sounds fun. And what will you do here once the house is built? Won’t you grow bored then?’

‘No. I have one or two hobbies I haven’t been able to indulge in for years. I might even take up golf. I’m really looking forward to having some free time, for once. Life has been gruelling for the last decade. It’s you I’m worried about.’

She moved over to put her arms round his neck and lean her head on his shoulder. ‘This house will be fine for me, Ben. And,’ she leaned back and beamed at him suddenly, ‘I’ll really get to know the West Australian wildlife here. You’re not going to cut down all that bush, are you?’

‘Heavens, no! Especially now that I’ve married an eco-freak.’

‘I’m no fanatic, just interested and wanting to do my bit.’

‘Me, too – now that I’ve got time.’

As she made them a cup of coffee, she said thoughtfully, ‘I would like to buy a few more bits and pieces for the house, though, simple things like cushions and good saucepans.’