In the two years they had been engaged, she had fallen in love with him over and over again. It was true they weren’t able to see each other nearly as often she’d like. George was usually working in Aberdeen, and was only able to come to London once every month or so; even when he was there, Marion found it hard to escape the Palace in order to see him. But when they were together, it felt safe and right. This summer, George had managed to get some time off work and had come to Dunfermline, ready to spend as much time with her as possible. Marion hoped this summer would be perfect.

They parked by the little ferry which would take them over to the island where Loch Leven Castle stood. George seemed to know the place, and once they were off the ferry he took Marion straight to a hidden grassy spot at the foot of the ruined castle walls, overlooking the water. Here they were sheltered from the breeze, and from prying eyes.

‘You spread this out and sit down,’ he said, throwing her a tartan blanket. ‘I’ll set up our lunch.’

She lay back on the rug, feeling the warmth of the Scottish sun on her. ‘Is this where you picked my lucky heather?’

He looked puzzled.

She laughed. ‘You remember, the heather you gave me when we met in Windsor Park? You said that every time I looked at it, you would be thinking of me.’

He smiled quickly. ‘Absolutely, I picked it here. Have you still got it?’

‘Of course, I have. It is really very special to me. As are you.’

He beamed, then handed her a sandwich wrapped in greaseproof paper. ‘Smoked salmon.’

‘Thank you.’ She unwrapped it and took a bite. ‘Delicious.’

George lay down next to her and propped himself up by one elbow. ‘Am I really special to you?’

‘Yes.’ She understood he needed reassurance. ‘You are.’

‘Enough to set our wedding date?’

She hesitated.

‘Marion, I don’t think I can wait much longer. It’s been two years. Working at Drummonds is as important to me as your work is to you but I need you to be with me. I am the manager of an important bank, and it’s only right that I have a wife. And I miss you so much.’

‘Oh George, I know.’ She began to placate him, nervous that his mood might change and the day be spoiled. ‘But we have lots of time.’

‘You say that because you are young.’ He turned his gaze to the water. ‘Marion, I’m sixteen years older than you.’

She smiled. ‘That doesn’t matter. I like that you’re older. I like the way you feel like my protector. I feel secure with you. Nothing will hurt me if I’m with you. I feel safe.’

‘Marion, if we are fortunate enough to have children, I want to be young enough to enjoy them.’

She stopped eating. ‘You really want children?