‘Jerome!’

‘Eeh, Mags, that is romantic.’

‘Don’t you start, Betsy. Oh, Jerome, we’ll have to talk, but first play for the guests and get the party going.’

Jerome did more than play. He belted out a few Scottish Highland reels that went down so well the place was in uproar, with all the wonderful dancing men in their kilts. Mags felt her spirits soaring from the black pit they had been in for so long. She clapped her hands and jigged with Beth on her hip, and drank the whisky offered.

When the proceedings came to an end, she agreed to go for a walk with Jerome, so that they could talk some more. Dusk had fallen and across the water the magic of Ireland lit up, throwing reflections across the shadowy sea.

‘Mags, you know how I feel about you – always have. Is there a little spark in you for me? Maybe I shouldn’t ask, but I have waited and hoped for so long.’

They were so near to the boathouse that it felt like a betrayal even to listen to Jerome, but then Mags wondered if that was just her, because Montel wouldn’t look on this as a betrayal. What am I thinking? I can’t possibly fall for someone else so soon!

‘I know you are going to need time, Mags. But I have that. I’m not setting up in a practice. I’m going to be a landlord farmer. I never really liked medicine. Dr Lange influenced my parents into steering me that way because he thought I had the right nature, but really I would have preferred to be a vet. I love animals and the land, especially horses. Do you remember Romany, my piebald? Such a gypsy horse—’

‘Stop. Jerome, you’re rambling. Not giving me time to think.’

‘I know, but it is because I am afraid of your answer. Sorry.’

‘I haven’t one. I’m confused. This is all so sudden. I’m afraid that my loneliness will make me say the wrong thing. I always was very fond of you, Jerome – you were my first boyfriend, my first kiss. I feel our friendship is so easy between us, and yes, I do find you attractive.’

Jerome gave a low whistle. He was funny, in an expressive way. ‘Does that mean I have a chance, honey?’

Mags laughed out loud at his fake American accent.

‘I had a university chum from New York. And that’s how he spoke, honest.’

‘Oh, Jerome, it’s so good to see you.’ With this, Mags leaned forward and kissed his cheek. ‘You’re a tonic.’

As she went to draw back, he caught her arm. ‘Mags, my darling Mags. I – I’ve dreamed of this moment.’

She didn’t resist.

‘I’ve loved you forever, Mags. It broke my heart when I heard of your marriage. I know that I never made a move, but I was just a student with an allowance, and you had moved into the men’s world of business. We seemed worlds apart, so I tried to forget you, but it didn’t work.’