“That’s my Richard,” said the voice behind her. “Stop. Stop the car.”

Archer did as he was told, pulling the car to the side of the road. There were safer places to stop, but perhaps he’d also heard the urgency in Mrs Capel’s voice.

Mrs Capel was charging across the road even before Chloe and Archer got out of the car. “Good thing no one was coming,” said Archer, looking both ways before they crossed.

On the other side of the road, Chloe and Archer pulled up short at the sight of two octogenarians locked in a passionate embrace. Cecily was tactfully looking at the ground, but Chloe couldn’t stop staring at the love scene playing out in front of her.

“Where did you go, my love?” said Mr Capel peppering his wife’s face with kisses.

“I got lost.”

He pulled her to him, his chin resting on her head. “Oh, darling, you mustn’t wander off like that. I was beside myself.”

“I’m so sorry, Richard.” He pulled back and tipped her chin so she was looking into his eyes.

“Now, now, no tears. You’re safe with me, now.” He leant down and kissed her. Chloe had to look away at that point; it was too much of an intrusion not to.

When they finally pulled apart, Mr Capel stepped forward and shook Archer’s hand. “Thank you, Alan. And you, love.” Chloe smiled shyly, unwilling to take any credit for Mrs Capel’s return, but also not wanting to downplay his concern.

“Honestly,” said Archer, “it was no trouble at all. We were happy to help. She was quite safe at The Lord Nelson.”

“Indeed, but it is her journey there that troubles me … the way people drive on these roads.” There was a sombre pause and Chloe assumed they were all thinking the worst, just like she was.

“Right,” said Cecily, her tone brightening the moment. “Would anyone care for some mulled wine?”

Everyone seemed to welcome the distraction and as the couple followed Cecily back into the fair, Mrs Capel clung to her husband’s hand and rested her cheek against his shoulder.

“Wow,” said Chloe, almost to herself. I want a love like that. The thought arrived with a jolt. Chloe was essentially a card-carrying pragmatist when it came to love, never once longing for it and always assuming that it would come along, or it wouldn’t.

“Now you know what I was talking about,” said a quiet voice in her ear. She nodded slowly, only able to tear her gaze away from their retreating backs when they were absorbed by the crowd. When she turned to look up at Archer, he was watching her intently. “You caught me,” he whispered.

“You were watching me.”

“I was.” In the moment of stillness that followed, Chloe’s breath caught. Then Archer blinked, seeming to remember himself, and the moment dissipated. “I should move the Range Rover.”

“Oh, right.” Another moment. “I’ll come with you.” If she’d thought logically, even for a second, she would have realised how ridiculous and—worse—obvious her offer was. Cecily’s garage was literally around the corner but for some reason, Chloe felt compelled to stay with Archer.