Sunday sincerely hoped that her friend might be right. Nothing would make her happier than to see Kathy settled with a good man – Livvy too if it came to that. But still, she consoled herself, they were both still very young and she could live in hope. Both girls were far too beautiful to stay single forever!

Chapter Six

Shortly after waving David away, Kathy made her way to the stables to find Ben there bedding down the horses. George had already left to join Cissie in their cottage.

‘Oh, I thought George was seeing to them this evening and you were having an early night,’ she said in surprise.

‘I was, but I changed me mind,’ he muttered, keeping his eye on the horse he was rubbing down.

‘So why didn’t you come and join us for dinner then?’

He glanced up, taking in her shining hair and bright eyes. ‘I dare say I didn’t want to sit and watch you swooning over your fancy man,’ he muttered.

Kathy’s heart began to hammer. Ben must be blind if he hadn’t realised by now how she felt about him. There was a big age gap between them, and she was sure he just viewed her as his little sister, but that made no difference to how she felt about him. Her voice was ragged as she said, ‘How many times do I have to tell you? David is not my fancy man … If you must know my feelings lie elsewhere …’ Her voice trailed away.

Ben narrowed his eyes at her. ‘Oh yes … and is it anyone I know?’

‘Oh, you’re just … just so …’ She turned away blindly with tears in her eyes but before she could reach the door, he had caught her arm and swung her towards him. Looking into her face he saw all she felt for him shining in her eyes and he grinned as the feelings she had kept from him for so long gushed out of her like water from a dam.

‘I only let David keep coming because Mum seems intent on marrying me and Livvy off and it makes her happy!’ she choked. ‘But you must know that it’s you I want? It’s always been you – I’ve tried not to feel this way, but I can’t help myself!’