“She won’t…” They both spoke at once.

Flynn smiled at Keely. “There’s a shop just down the street, she shouldn’t be long.”

“No.” Keely poked her toe at the pattern on the floor rug.

“You staying in Perth long?”

“I’m heading north tomorrow.”

“I guess you’re glad to be on your way at last.”

“Yes.”

They were both silent. Keely glanced around Maggie’s beautifully furnished room.

“I’m going to make myself a late lunch,” Flynn said. “Would you like something?”

He began to move towards another door. Keely guessed it led to the kitchen. “No. I’ve eaten, thanks.”

He paused, looking at her again. Keely held her breath until she felt as if she would burst.

“Look, I’d better get going.” She picked up her bag from the side table. “Say thanks to Maggie. I’ve got a few more things to organise before I leave.”

“Are you sure? She shouldn’t be much longer.”

“I’ll keep moving.”

He followed her to the door. “Keely.”

She stopped with her hand on the doorknob. She sensed rather than heard him step closer behind her.

“Thanks for everything you did. I…well, Euan and I appreciated your support. If you’re ever back this way…well, you’re welcome.”

She opened the door, went through, then looked back at him. Her heart thumped and she forced the corners of her mouth into a smile. “I enjoyed my time in Margaret River. Levallier Dell is a special place. I hope everything works out for you and Euan.” Then with every bit of her strength she walked away.

* * *

Flynn was sitting at the table eating a sandwich when he heard his aunt’s key in the lock. He quickly opened the newspaper and lay it out in front of him.

“Keely?” she called. “Flynn?”

“In here, Maggie.”

She came through the door and looked around. “Where’s Keely?”

“She left about a half hour ago.” He turned the page of the paper. “Said she had things to do.”

“Did you talk to her?”

“Briefly. She was in a bit of a rush when I arrived. I don’t think she expected to see me.”

“You shouldn’t have let her go without offering her some refreshments.”

“I did but she declined.” Flynn had a flashback to the image of Keely, framed in the patio door. She had on a long flowing skirt and the light from behind silhouetted her legs. She’d looked beautiful, with surprise written all over her face, and he had let her bolt – again.

Maggie put a magazine down on the table and started to clear up the things he’d left out.

“Why did you want me to phone you when I was leaving the solicitors?” he asked.

“I was worried about you.”

“Why?”