He grinned as Cissie placed a doorstep bacon sandwich in front of him. ‘Not too bad, though it’s very different to where I lived,’ he said as he took a big bite and sighed with pleasure. ‘My parents own a farm and we have quite a few horses. That’s what I miss the most – not being able to saddle up and go for a gallop across the moors whenever I feel like it. I think my dad hoped that I’d take over from him eventually so it must have been a big disappointment when I chose to become a doctor – although in fairness neither of my parents ever tried to talk me out of it. They said I must do whatever made me happy and supported me all through medical school. Truthfully, my brother was always much more suited to farming than me so I’ve no doubt things will work out for the best in the end.’

Sunday smiled at him approvingly. ‘They sound like wonderful people.’

‘They are,’ he agreed as he bit into the sandwich again. ‘And I just wish I could get back to see them more often. I never dreamed when I started out just how many hours doctors have to work. And nurses too, of course,’ he added hastily with a cheeky wink at Kathy.

Eventually, after another cup of tea and finishing his sandwich, which he assured Cissie was the best he had tasted since leaving home, he and Kathy headed off to the stable block, leaving Sunday with a broad smile on her face.

‘Isn’t he just the loveliest young man?’ she said to Cissie.

Her friend snorted. ‘Yes, he is, I have to agree. But I wouldn’t go buildin’ me hopes up for a romance if I were you,’ she warned. ‘Seems to me he’s the one wi’ the fancy fer Kathy. She don’t seem much interested in him.’

‘Yet!’ Sunday insisted doggedly. ‘Just give things time.’

Cissie shook her head but said nothing, although she had an awful feeling that Sunday might end up being disappointed. Why, it seemed as if she was almost planning their wedding in her head already, but it wasn’t her place to tell her. What would be would be!

‘Ah, Ben, this is my friend David that I told you about,’ Kathy said when they reached the stables. ‘I thought he might be able to take Bracken out for a gallop, what do you think?’

‘Suit yourself.’ Ben inclined his head as he continued to brush down a beautiful dapple-grey mare. ‘Bear in mind he’s feisty though,’ he warned.

‘Oh, that should be fine,’ David assured him. ‘I’m quite an experienced rider.’

‘Good, he’s one of our best studs an’ I don’t want him injured,’ Ben said sulkily.