His forwardness both embarrassed and amused Mags. And she couldn’t deny the effect he was having on her. She felt like a silly teenager falling in love. Good gracious, I’m not going to let that happen. But as they walked and talked, she knew that she might not have any choice.

‘Shall we sit on that bench, then it iz that I can get Sibbie out of her pram and let her play on the grass. She iz walking, but keeps falling on her bottom, so the impact will be less.’

Again Mags found herself giggling. ‘Let me.’

Undoing the reins that kept her secure, she found Sibbie more than willing to have Mags lift her, as she stretched out her hands, smiling up at her. ‘I think your lessons are paying off – she is a little charmer.’

‘Yes, until she poopz her pantz, then I don’t like her much at all.’

Mags found herself full of joy as laughter escaped her once more. Montel was so funny.

Holding Sibbie, she had an urge within her that wanted this child to be hers. She loved children and had dreamed of having many of them. She was surprised that so far nothing had happened, because since their marriage Harold had ceased to take precautions. Sibbie began to pull away from her, no doubt finding the prospect of being on the grass very alluring, as Mags doubted there was much for Sibbie to enjoy around the flat in Brixton, which Harold had told her Montel and Susan shared.

When she sat down next to Montel she felt acutely aware of him. His arm touched hers, and she could smell the just-washed freshness of his shirt. A shyness came over her.

Montel was quiet for a moment, but what he said next tightened the atmosphere between them. ‘Did David tell you of how it iz that I feel for you?’

‘Yes.’ Mags’s throat constricted. Her heart thumped in her chest.

‘And iz it that you don’t mind? I mean, iz there a chance for me?’

‘I – I don’t know. I’ve been hurt. I don’t trust my feelings.’

‘A “don’t know” iz not a no. Yes?’

Mags found herself giggling again. ‘No, it isn’t a no. It is a . . . well, a maybe.’

‘Ah, but you have made me zo happy.’

‘I – I need time, Montel. I cannot even think of starting a relationship with anyone, not yet.’

‘But I understand thiz. And I will wait, but I don’t want you to go out of my life. How long will you stay in London?’

‘Not long. I’m moving to Scotland.’

‘Thiz I know, and it saddens me. Mags, may I hold your hand?’

How could she resist? Her head wanted to say no, but her heart ruled, and she found her hand moving towards his, almost without her bidding. His touch zinged through her. How is this possible? Am I making another terrible mistake? The thought made her withdraw her hand.