‘Roman Docherty,’ he shared. For a moment they stared at each other in a contemplative silence before he put his foot on the pedal. As he rode away, Roman looked back over his shoulder and gave her a warm smile. Ella watched him all the way to the end of Love Heart Lane before he disappeared in the direction of the bridge, heading for Glensheil. There was something mesmerising about Roman Docherty, but Ella gave herself a little shake. The last time she’d found someone intriguing, he’d ripped her off, and she wasn’t here to find a man… far from it. But, surprisingly, Roman had put a spring in her step as she walked down the lane.

Over on the far side of the pavement, Ella’s eyes skimmed over the metal sign flapping in the breeze, the entrance to an impressive farmhouse called Foxglove Farm. In the fields were a herd of alpacas being walked around by children – a sight Ella had never seen in the city. This place was just a different way of life. ‘Less than twenty-four hours I’ve been here, McCartney, and already I’m feeling relaxed. This place is going to be good for me.’ But McCartney didn’t answer; he was too busy ferreting around underneath the hedgerow without a care in the world.

Chapter Three

With McCartney and the slice of Victoria sponge safely delivered to Dolores, Ella bounded up the stairs to discover Callie was sitting out on the balcony reading a book.

‘I’m home! I’ve met Rona and Felicity. How lovely are they?!’

Callie was smiling at Ella’s enthusiasm.

‘Oh, and I nearly killed some guy on a bike.’

Callie cocked an eyebrow. ‘What do you mean, you nearly killed some guy on a bike?’

‘He’s okay, he’s still breathing… no ambulance was needed,’ replied Ella, pulling out a seat, ‘even though, at a push, I would have been willing to give mouth to mouth. However, his sausages were not okay, and McCartney has had an almighty breakfast.’ Callie looked mildly amused as Ella explained how she’d stepped out in front of Roman’s bike. ‘I wasn’t looking where I was going.’

‘Blooming heck, you have had a busy morning,’ replied Callie, noticing a slight sparkle beneath the dark shadows of Ella’s eyes. Callie waggled her finger round in a circle in front of Ella. ‘See, baby steps – and look, you’re already smiling.’

‘Oh, and in other news, Dolores read my tea leaves. She confirmed that Heartcross is going to be good for me.’ Ella gave Callie a knowing look.

‘And I’ll be predicting you’ll be seeing Roman again – very soon.’

‘What do you know that I don’t?’ queried Ella.

‘I’m saying nothing, except watch this space.’

‘It doesn’t matter anyway. I’m not being taken for a fool again.’