‘The only people who caused this were the ones who gossiped, Alexander.’

It was the first time she had addressed him by his Christian name but he was too upset to notice. ‘I should have realized. I am so sorry, please believe me. I wouldn’t wish you a moment’s pain because of me—’

‘It’s all right.’ She stopped the flow of words gently. ‘Really, it is. I went to the school and had a word with Betsy’s teacher who, I understand, took the children in question to task, and I put a notice in the shop window too. I decided it was time to call a spade a spade.’

‘A notice?’

She stood up and walked across to a small dresser, opening a drawer and taking out a piece of paper. ‘I kept it after I took it out of the window. Here, read it for yourself.’

He read it with growing amazement and when he’d finished he raised his head.

She was smiling. ‘Don’t look so shocked.’

‘I’m not shocked, not as such. More – Well, in awe of your courage.’ He shook his head. ‘And now I’ve come here tonight and played right into the gossips’ hands. I’m sorry.’

‘Don’t be. I’ve decided I’m not going to live my life worried about what other folk think any more. I shall be friends with whomsoever I please.’

‘And that includes me?’

Especially you. She didn’t say this, however, merely nodding before taking a sip of coffee.

‘Does friendship include having dinner together or taking a drive now and again when I’m home?’

She laughed, she couldn’t help it. From looking crushed he was now positively delighted. ‘As friends?’ she said after a moment.

‘If that is what you want.’

‘It is.’

‘Then I shall be content with that and value your friendship as the most precious thing in my life.’ And then he paused. ‘No, let me be honest. I always want honesty between us. I won’t be content but I accept that is all you can offer.’ For the moment but by all that’s holy he’d change that. ‘It doesn’t alter my feelings, of course. You know I love you – worship, adore you. That will never change as long as I live.’

She blinked. ‘Alexander—’

‘I love the way you say my name.’

‘I want you to know that if at any point you feel that our friendship has run its course I will understand. If you meet someone else who can offer you more—’

‘I won’t.’