He stepped forward. ‘It really is. I’ve not been out this way before but it’s such a gorgeous spot. Although you wouldn’t want to get stuck behind one of those buses.’

‘No,’ agreed Conor, succinctly.

‘And the views are just spectacular. We had to stop the car a couple of times. It’s just breath-taking. I was glad I wasn’t driving.’ Meredith beamed at Alan. ‘Thank goodness you’re such a good driver, otherwise I think I might get a little nervous on some of those narrow roads.’

Hannah was tempted for a second to pipe up with, ‘Boreens’, but thought better of it. She could see Conor shifting from foot to foot with the same frustrated agitation that was killing her.

‘And where’ve you been today? Exploring? Conor showing you the sights?’ Meredith’s gaze became a little calculating. ‘Where did he take you?’

Hannah and Conor exchanged a quick, guilty glance, which was ridiculous because they had nothing to feel guilty about. Well, not yet.

‘We’ve been to Dingle, kayaking.’

‘Kayaking. Now that’s something I’ve not tried.’ She glanced down at her stomach. ‘Not sure I’d squeeze into the little hole.’

Alan gave an exasperated snort. ‘Woman, I tell ye. You’re grand as you are.’ He turned to Conor. ‘There’s no arguing with the ladies though, is there?’

Conor nodded.

Meredith laughed. ‘Did you enjoy it, Hannah? Very adventurous of you. Gorgeous day for it.’

Hannah was horribly conscious that if she didn’t respond to Meredith’s tumble of good-natured conversation, she’d appear rude; she genuinely liked the woman and didn’t want to cause offence.

‘I’ve done it before but the sea was beautiful.’ She glanced at Conor. There was a very faint trace of wariness on his face as if he were daring her to mention the dolphin, which would inevitably prolong the conversation. ‘But also quite cold. I’m dying for a nice hot bath to warm me up.’

‘Oh, don’t let us hold you up.’ Meredith’s warm, understanding response made Hannah bite her lip. ‘You go on. Get warmed up. No doubt we’ll see you later. Are you coming to the pub tonight? They’ve got some more live music on. It’ll be quite the craic.’ She turned to Alan, pleased with herself. ‘Did I say it right?’

‘You did. The craic will be mighty. You’re almost starting to sound like a local,’ he teased.

‘Right, well. We’d best be off,’ said Conor, already starting to edge forward.

‘Yes, sorry. You go. We’ll see you later. Shall we knock for you, Hannah?’

‘Er…’ she flailed for a moment.

‘Come on, leave the poor girl alone,’ said Alan, taking hold of her arm.

‘Well, Conor, if you feel like coming, don’t be a stranger,’ said Meredith over her shoulder as Alan finally steered her away.