‘She’s desperately unhappy, Mr Forsythe. I’ve made her unhappy in the past, which I’m sure you know all about.’ Olive swallowed hard. ‘She didn’t deserve what I did to her and she doesn’t deserve this either. If you do still love her as much as you claimed before you left, then why are you condemning her to a mere existence as well as yourself? It makes no sense. If you do still love her?’ she asked again.

Edward stood up, running his hand through his hair and moving to stand in front of the fire with his back to her and one hand resting on the mantelpiece.

‘I love her with all my heart and soul, Mrs Gilbert. It sounds unchivalrous to say this but I was tricked into my engagement at a time when I think I didn’t really care what happened to me one way or the other.’ He paused, turning as he said, ‘You know I have nothing to offer her now? Nothing at all?’

Olive’s eyes were bright and her voice was eager when she said, ‘You have everything to offer her – you have yourself, don’t you see? Ruby has told me that she thought ultimately she would make you unhappy if she tried to fit into your world, that the pressure of society would cause you both difficulties and grief, and likewise a man of your education and upbringing would find it hard to feel accepted in our class. But after you had gone to America and she thought she had lost you for ever, she realized none of that mattered and that you would weather any storms together. The way I see it, all that could bring you closer together if you are of like mind. It might not be easy, but once the front door is closed at night and it’s just the two of you that’s what’s important, not other people’s opinions or attitudes.’

He stared at Olive, and then he surprised her utterly when he said softly, ‘You’ll make a great sister-in-law, Mrs Gilbert.’

‘So you’ll go and see her?’

He nodded.

‘Today?’

He nodded again, and Olive visibly relaxed, the smile that lit her face causing Edward to warm to her still further. Whatever had gone on in the past, she clearly loved Ruby.

‘Wish me luck.’

‘You don’t need it. I know how Ruby feels, Mr Forsythe.’

‘Edward. If we’re going to be related I think it’s time we dropped the formalities, don’t you?’

Olive stood up as she said, ‘Will you come to Christmas dinner tomorrow, Edward? My mother and I would be so pleased to have you and you can meet Alice, my daughter.’

‘If all goes well, I would be delighted.’