Mags found that her troubles left her as she walked with Montel. They talked about everything and nothing at first – small talk that wasn’t stilted or inhibited, but which gave her time and led on to the bigger issues that she had faced and was trying to sort out.

‘I hope to hear later today if the power of attorney has been lifted. If it has, then I can make plans to go to Scotland.’

‘Part of me doesn’t want it all to be sorted, ma chérie. I cannot bear to think of you all those miles from me. I have suffered while you have been in Blackburn.’

Mags felt a tingle of awareness tickle her stomach muscles. ‘I – I missed you, too, Montel.’

‘Iz thiz true? Iz it that you really missed me?’

Mags laughed. ‘Yes, I did. I missed the cheekiness of you, showering me with compliments. You make me feel worthy again.’

‘It iz that I mean every word I say to you. You are in my heart, and I want you in my armz.’

‘Oh, Montel. I do have feelings for you, but it is all so soon.’

‘If I take you behind that tree where no one can see us, will you let me hold you? Just as a friend who wants to soothe your hurt?’

Knowing it was a dangerous thing to do, where her emotions were concerned, didn’t stop Mags nodding. Montel made a sound that told of his glee, then took her hand and ran with her into the clump of trees. Once there, he took Mags’s breath away by pulling her into his body and clasping his hands round her waist. She could feel his warm breath on her cheeks, and his heart beating through his shirt. Her body moulded to his, giving her pleasure that got her drawing in the breath she’d released when he’d taken her into his arms.

‘Mags. Oh, Mags, I have longed for thiz moment.’

Mags couldn’t speak, as her mind was screaming, No, this is too soon, too soon. But her body was betraying her and had her yearning to feel the touch of his lips on hers. She didn’t have to wait long. His hand cupped her chin and lifted her face. She looked into the dark, beautiful pools of Montel’s eyes and was lost. When his lips rested on hers, it was as if her world was suddenly put right again; but as the kiss deepened, the world was rocked on its axle once more, as feelings she couldn’t control pulsed through her body.

She didn’t protest as his hand found her breast and kneaded it gently, nor resist his tongue entering her mouth, but when he went to lift her skirt, Mags pushed him away and cried out, ‘No!’

Montel’s gasp held surprise and then his face fell in shame. ‘Forgive me. My Mags, I knew not to do zat, but it iz that my heart led me. I love you, my Mags. I love you and I want to spend my life with you.’