‘Then let me put it differently,’ he answered. ‘You’re reluctant to let me into the full context of your life is how I see it.’ He paused to share a long glance with her. ‘The love I have for you, though, has changed my life. To give it to you straight, you now are my life.’

‘But you are neither a parent, nor a grandparent. My being both ensures that I can’t say to you what you’ve just said to me. On our first date I told you I’m a family woman – remember? And in the fullest sense.’

‘Apart from your midnight dash to your brother’s, though, I have yet to see you in action.’

Marianne mustered a smile. ‘If you’d seen me in action between then and now, you might wish you hadn’t popped the question you did last week! Would you care to withdraw it?’

‘You’re not getting off the hook that easily!’

‘I’m not yet on it, am I?’

‘But I was hoping to put a ring on your finger and take you with me to New York next month. My agent has something special lined up for me.’

Marianne made a quick decision. Call it a step forward in the decision-making process. ‘I need a break after finishing a first draft. Could you manage a week in Bermuda?’

‘With you? You bet.’

‘I’m told it’s idyllic and not a long flight from New York. Why don’t we do that, Simon? But without the ring on my finger.’

‘You’re a slippery fish to catch, Marianne!’ he said with a laugh. ‘But I’m still hoping to land you, and OK, we’ll do it your way. Drink up your sherry and we’ll go watch that effigy Britishers burn on bonfire night go up in smoke.’

They left the flat and walked to Laura’s home hand in hand, fireworks lighting the night sky. Like a couple of kids, Marianne thought. Next time she counted her blessings she would add Simon.

Chapter Twelve

On the dat they were to leave for New York, Marianne called Simon early in the morning.

‘Hi, hon! If this is to remind me to pack the special tea you’re taking for your cousin, I already did so. If the customs guys open our baggage they’ll think we intend setting up a tea shop!’

‘Did I waken you?’

‘I’ve had juice and coffee and was about to go take my shower. Did you get a good night’s sleep?’

‘I haven’t been to bed.’

‘Don’t tell me! You got some new ideas about the first draft you thought was finished and spent the night making revisions. What am I going to do with you! You’ll have to get some shut-eye on the plane.’

How light-hearted he sounded. But not for long. ‘I can’t go with you, Simon.’

‘Say that again?’