“Not in so many words. It’s the way she tries to avoid the topic when anyone asks her about her work and she plays down her ability. She’s had offers of work since she’s been here but she’s said no.” He shrugged his shoulders. “There could be more to it or it could simply be that she’s on holidays and she wants to relax. It is her life.” He emphasised the ‘her’.

“I thought she looked absolutely terrified when Flynn offered to drive her in to the school today.”

“Damn Flynn. Why would he take her there?”

“Something about the principal wanting to talk to her about a job. Why?”

“Flynn doesn’t notice what’s right in front of him.”

“He must have learned that from somewhere.”

Euan glared at his sister but her face was the picture of innocence. He gave a cursory glance at the computer. No point in even attempting that. He gave up the search and walked past Maggie on his way back to the family room. “We should just respect her wishes,” he said, over his shoulder. “I told Ken she wasn’t available.”

“The poor girl. Something’s troubling her, I can tell.”

“You mean, besides the fact that she’s smitten with Flynn, and that’s another thing he can’t see.”

“So you’ve noticed it, too.” Maggie followed along behind him. “I thought you were too caught up in your own love life to be aware of anyone else. What are we going to do about it?”

“Nothing.”

“Flynn needs a good woman in his life.”

“He’s been too busy chasing after the smooth-talking Katerina.”

“She’s a lovely young woman but she’s not for Flynn.”

“Maggie…” Euan’s warning growl was interrupted by a tap on the glass and Hugh slid open the door.

“Hello, Hugh,” Euan said. “What good timing.”

“Hello, Hugh.” Maggie went forward and greeted him with a hug.

“Nice to see you here again, Maggie. It’s time you came back to the River for some quiet, away from the city highlife.”

“Oh, it’s far more entertaining here than in the city.” Maggie chuckled. “I think I’ll go for a walk and see if Flynn and Keely are back.”

“Now, Maggie…” Euan growled.

She smiled and waved.

Euan frowned at his sister’s departing back. He knew he was wasting his breath. Maggie would do what Maggie would do. Perhaps she’d have some luck in getting Flynn to see what was right before his eyes.

“It’s nice to see Maggie here again,” Hugh said. “Did you find out about the extra cartons?”

Euan dragged his thoughts back to the job in hand. “I can’t find the paperwork. I’m sure I didn’t order any extras but Flynn may have. I’ll ask him later.”