Arthur frowned and shook his head. ‘Has Veronica been filling your head with nonsense? Sometimes she speaks out of turn. She seems to find it amusing, but it can be bloody hurtful.’ He looked uncharacteristically annoyed.

Blushing, Evie said, ‘No. I’ve not spoken to her in days. It’s just that the whole idea seems such a crazy enterprise that I can’t think why I ever agreed to it.’ She smoothed the creases out of her dress then gathered the fabric up again, rippling it nervously through her fingers. ‘My life had become so dull and predictable and I didn’t want to spend the rest of my days reading aloud to Mrs Shipley-Thomas and, after her, a succession of old ladies, while life passes me by.’

She looked up at him, afraid he would think her foolish, but his face showed only attention and concern.

‘When Douglas Barrington’s letter arrived it was as if my prayers had been answered. It was an opportunity to start again, to see something of the world, to embark on an adventure, to do something unpredictable and spontaneous for the first time in years. It was the only way I could see to get out of my rut.’

‘I understand.’ Arthur nodded. ‘That all makes perfect sense. So, what’s made you change your mind?’

She hesitated then said, ‘If I’m honest I suppose I’m worried about what people will think. That they’ll say I’m a desperate spinster who’s grasped her only chance to hook a husband.’ She gave a dry laugh. ‘And they’d be right. ’

When Arthur said nothing, she stumbled on. ‘But more than that I’m worried that Mr Barrington – I mean Douglas – it seems odd to call him that when I barely know him. That he must surely be having second thoughts himself. I can’t imagine what would possess a man like him – successful, comfortably off, handsome – to ask someone like me to marry him when he must have the pick of the field. There. You have it.’ She bit her lip and waited for him to reply.

He reached out and took her hand, holding it in his for a just a brief moment. ‘I don’t know what you mean when you say someone like you. I happen to think Doug is a very fortunate man that you’re willing to become his wife. It shows you have pluck, Evie. You’re a brave girl. Fearless, in fact. Not many people would do what you’re doing and that’s to be admired. And you’re kind, intelligent, independent, interesting. All in all, you’re a very attractive woman and if you ask me, Doug is a very lucky chap.’

Evie felt a rush of gratitude mingled with disbelief. Was he just trying to be nice? Did he mean it? Would he later laugh about what he’d said with Veronica? ‘Thank you,’ she said, deciding to accept the compliment graciously. ‘That makes me feel better. I hope you don’t think I was fishing for compliments?’