‘I have! I’ve only known him for a few days, but you know when you meet someone and you just know it’s more than a little fling or something insignificant? And you keep waiting for them to do or say something that really puts you off, but they don’t! They just get more wonderful the more you know them. And you keep waiting for the bubble to burst, but it doesn’t.’

‘I do.’

She pictured the day Digby had asked her to marry him, how passionately they had kissed each other before going their separate ways to tell their parents the glorious news. Having run all the way home, she had paused at the open front door of the cottage, catching her breath, taking a moment to conjure confidence, wondering what she might say to her parents. It felt huge, an admission that she was no longer their little Merry, but a grown woman who had sex, was about to wear an engagement ring and sometime soon would be waltzing up the aisle of St Michael’s. But nothing, nothing, could deter her from her course because what she had felt for Digby was an all-consuming, unconditional love.

‘’Course you do. Sorry, love.’

‘Why are you sorry? Don’t be! It’s great news!’

‘I just . . .’ Bella paused. ‘I feel awkward because, even though it’s early days, I’ve met a bloke and I’m happy and I know you are still . . .’

‘Yeah, I’m still . . . but that can’t stop you from living, loving! I want you to be happy, Bells.’

‘And me you. Wish I could give you a hug.’

Merrin closed her eyes and bit her cheek. ‘I could do with one this morning.’

‘I worry about you, Merry.’ Bella’s words were unexpected and sent a jolt of sadness through Merrin that made her shiver. She drew her knees up on the bed and pulled the duvet over them to feel cosy.

I worry about me, too, sometimes . . .

‘Well, there’s no need to worry, Bells. I’m fine. I work in a lovely place and my room’s nice enough and if I have to be away from Port Charles, then it’s as good a place to be as anywhere.’

‘And do you have to be away from Port Charles? I miss you.’ The note of hope in Bella’s voice was heart-wrenching.

‘I miss you too. But I do need to be away. I still can’t stand the thought of everyone talking about me like they do Lizzie Lick.’

‘Goodness, Merry, you are nothing like Lizzie, and if I were you, I wouldn’t care so much what people say or think, love – let them talk. You can’t live your life like that. You have to do what makes you happy.’

Her friend’s words did little to reassure her. ‘I am happier, getting there.’