‘I wanted to make amends for questioning her motive for inviting you,’ he said. ‘I know she doesn’t know what I said, but I’ve been feeling bad about it.’

‘Well,’ I said, ‘whatever the reason for sending it, she loved it.’

‘Good,’ he said. ‘So how are things in Wynbridge? What are your plans for tonight?’

I didn’t tell him that I had been taken aback by Dolly’s appearance or that she’d arranged to have a taxi pick me up. I didn’t think Jonathan would much appreciate knowing she’d lined up the Fenland equivalent of Dwayne Johnson to rescue me from the typhoon. Not that Beamish looked like The Rock, but he was certainly built like him.

‘Much the same as usual,’ I sniffed, jiggling about to stop the blood freezing in my veins. ‘And Dolly’s planned a wild night in for us. She’s warming cups of cocoa as we speak.’

Jonathan chuckled.

‘And she’s lent me one of her fluffy dressing gowns to keep me warm,’ I added, to further boost his mood.

‘I’m sorry I got so stressed,’ he apologised. ‘I was just worried about you, that’s all.’

‘I know,’ I said, ‘I know you were.’

I was grateful to have someone in my life who cared for me so much, but I was still planning to quickly end the call and get back indoors before my toes dropped off.

‘I’ll feel better once we’ve moved,’ he said brightly. ‘Then I’ll know where you are all the time.’

I stopped moving, a frown knitting my brows as I let out a long breath and watched it stream away.

‘Not all the time, Jonathan,’ I said. ‘You can’t know where I am all the time.’

‘You know what I mean.’

I wasn’t sure I did, but I was too cold to ask him to explain.

‘Look,’ I said, ‘I have to go. It really is freezing out here.’

‘All right,’ he said. ‘I’ll message you when I land and we can talk about how to cut your time there short and maybe even skype for a bit later in the week?’ he added hopefully.

‘That will depend on the signal,’ I reminded him, glossing over the part about leaving Dolly earlier than planned. Now I’d had eyes on her, I wasn’t sure I wanted to. I should never have suggested it. ‘Have a safe flight and we’ll definitely talk again soon.’

‘Definitely,’ he said, ‘I love you.’

‘I love you too,’ I said back, racing up the path towards the warmth of the kitchen. ‘And thank you for sending that hamper, Jonathan. Dolly really loved it.’

Chapter 4

Chapter 4