She looked up to see Frank had come across to join them. He hadn’t changed much in the years she’d been away, though there was something in his demeanour that had changed. He had always been confident but now there was something else there too; a poise and maturity that only served to make him even more handsome than before. As her eyes met his, she felt that familiar fluttering in her stomach – but was that a slight hesitation that she saw reflected in his? A small wavering in his easy manner? She forced herself to finish her sandwich, although her mouth felt unaccountably dry.

‘Sylvia, you haven’t met my friend Jack. Let me introduce you,’ he said, passing his arm through his girlfriend’s. ‘Hello, Kitty, good to see you back home at last.’ His eyes gave nothing away now – they held her gaze steadily. Kitty felt annoyed at herself for being so easily beguiled – Frank Feeny’s blue eyes were of no concern to her now, she told herself.

Before she could reply, he had drawn Sylvia away and Kitty was left unsure as to what she should make of the brief encounter. It didn’t look as if she was going to speak to him properly, and maybe that was just as well. It would give her time to absorb the reality of Sylvia, now she’d met her in the flesh, rather than just imagining her. Then she’d be able to move on, to become comfortable with the idea and not let it get in the way of her work. That was the most important thing. That was what she’d been brought back to do, not to dwell on her old friend and neighbour who just happened to have roused emotions in her that she’d never felt before. But that was a long time ago, she told herself firmly. She had to put that behind her if she wanted to succeed in this new position.

Rita came over, looking as happy as Kitty had ever seen her, her beautiful red hair shining and her blue-green eyes reflecting her deep contentment on this special day. Megan came trotting after her. ‘Kitty, you were wonderful, you spoke so clearly,’ Rita said, giving her friend a hug. ‘Didn’t she, Megan? You remember your Auntie Kitty?’

The little girl looked up at them both. She shrugged. ‘Not really.’

‘Megan!’ Rita gasped, but Kitty smiled and shook her head.

‘It’s no wonder. We haven’t seen much of each other for a long time, have we, Megan? Now I’m back home, I hope we’ll get to know each other properly.’

‘Yes please,’ said Megan politely, then she dashed off as she caught sight of her brother holding some of the cake which had just been cut.

‘Kitty, I am so sorry,’ Rita said, mortified.