“…And he asked so much about Will, so much, Simon. And I found myself talking. To someone totally new. All about him, for hours. Days even. And it was surprisingly cathartic. I cried, and he comforted, and the rest is human nature. ‘Modern knight with good CV and old-fashioned values seeks damsel to rescue from her bruised ego.’ Not in the least original, but welcome in the flesh.”

Simon laughed out loud, but without him using words, she couldn’t decide the meaning.

She scrutinized his expression. “Do you think Will’s going to mind?”

Simon challenged her. “Do you want him to?”

She didn’t quite answer, and said, “I suppose he’s not the ideal person to get involved with, but the heart seems to have a mind all its own, you know.” She looked at him entreatingly. “And mine was broken, Simon. I’ve been numb since last Christmas, tears most nights until Calvin showed up at the end of June. I just tried not to do it too publicly. There’ll never be another Will, I know very well. But what choice do I have? None but to get over it. There was some painful stuff between Will and me last year that nobody but Alex knows about. Will’s never going to forgive me. I just don’t want my motives brought into question. I didn’t choose his cousin to annoy anyone. I think it’s just that fate chose us—threw us together. Calvin says he’s never given his heart away: and perhaps he won’t with me. But it feels…” She broke off. She had no way of explaining how it felt.

Simon was impressed with her honesty; and the navy-blue eyes and coppery curls made her an irresistible Pre-Raphaelite femme fatale. “Siân, I think it’s fine. Will’s a big boy, and even though I admit we all probably do like to be grieved over for a while, he’s a generous human being. Maybe he’ll even like this guy?”

She smiled gratefully at him. She couldn’t imagine Will giving Calvin five minutes of his time. He was too careful with his clothes and his image, too closed to people, in a way that would drive Will mad; but she appreciated Simon’s efforts, and she was glad it was out in the open.

“Let’s order some food.” Simon gathered up the empty glasses to go for refills, and she touched his arm.

“My treat, Simon: I’m in funds, remember?”

She was happy. As usual, she’d got what she’d come for.

5