I sought Father’s counsel on the Angus Lewis issue. ‘Your mother would have a fit if she knew you were turning down a perfectly acceptable suitor,’ he said. ‘Should we tell her?’ He had to hold back a laugh. He told me he could tell that I would not be happy with Angus and that I am not to underestimate the need for happiness in a relationship. He held my hand as we sat on the verandah.

With Father’s words to strengthen my resolve, I shall find a way to let Angus down gently. You have ruined me, Thomas Wilson, for all other men. There will only ever be you.

Until next time.

Forever yours,

Ivy

PS I must tell you that they have begun expanding the schoolhouse this week. There seems to be an explosion of new families coming to the cove and children are springing forth everywhere. Our quiet little corner of the world will never be the same again, I fear.

Nicole felt a little sad for Ivy. She’d been quietly hoping Angus would win her over in the end. It somehow didn’t seem right for Ivy to end up all alone. She would check more records tomorrow. She would keep reading the letters. Something – intuition, understanding narrative arcs, blind hope, perhaps – told her that Ivy’s story was far from over.

Nicole left the library and enjoyed the warm afternoon sun on her back as she walked up Wilson’s Road, and a gentle breeze kissed her face. As the cottage came into view a shadow moved across the verandah and Nicole stopped.

Charlie spun round when he heard the noise behind him.

‘Oh,’ Nicole breathed out. ‘You nearly gave me a heart attack. What brings you by?’

He didn’t mean to snoop. But when she wasn’t here, he thought he’d take the opportunity to see how the work was coming along. The garden was acceptable. What he could see of the interior through the windows was satisfactory too. He didn’t know much about design, but what he saw was neat and clean and the broken fragments of Ivy’s house were being repaired. Lovingly so, it seemed. Ivy would be happy to see the fireplace restored so beautifully. He was anxious to see the cottage finished, to gaze once again at the welcoming blue and white jewel set on its green and floral carpet.

There was no way Nicole could know of his vested interest in her work and there was no need to tell her yet. Besides, there was other, more pressing business he needed help with.

‘I was just looking for you. I have a favour to ask.’

‘Of course.’

‘If I give you some mail, will you post it for me? Next week maybe?’

She nodded, a frown across her face.