Beautiful Strangers: Chapters Thirteen to Sixteen

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Hyacinth, still in her party dress, pulled away from the Hull ferry terminal. The package delivered safely by the courier was zipped into her handbag. It meant a trip to her London Bank sooner rather than later. She didn’t like keeping the diamonds in the house. The nagging voice in her head kept urging her to organize a safe deposit box in Newcastle. This was a personal consignment after all; it had nothing to do with the Coven.

Daphne’s sleep was disturbed by the telephone ringing. Anticipating a hospital emergency she paled when she recognized her caller’s voice.

‘I have been thinking about you, Daphne. I have decided I would like you to be the new Matron of my unmarried mothers’ unit in Carlisle.’ H casually fondled the bag of diamonds she’d carefully placed on her bedside cabinet. ‘It’s such a beautiful Georgian building and I need someone with your expertise and someone I can trust.’

Daphne attempted to speak.

‘No, Daphne. You must listen to me. This is how it’s going to be. You will move into the self-contained ground floor flat within the premises. I will double your hospital salary, provide you with a new car, secure your pension, and increase your holidays. In return you will hand in your resignation today, when you go on duty. Then I want you to take a holiday until you come to me in Carlisle. There is one other thing: you will never see or try to contact Beth McConnell again.’

There was silence while Hyacinth allowed Daphne time to digest the implications and seriousness of her words.

‘Hyacinth, thank you. What can I say? I don’t really want to go to Carlisle, I’m quite happy where I am.’ Daphne floundered, dreading the consequences if she dared to refuse.

‘Are you, darling? Do you think the Hospital Board will want you to stay when they learn about how you prey on the female student nurses and the dreadful things you make them do so they score good marks in their ward assessments.’ Hyacinth spoke calmly. She knew Daphne would accept her offer. She could afford to be patient.

‘Why are you doing this, Hyacinth? I’ve never done anything to hurt you. I’ve always been protective.’

‘That’s exactly why I know I’ve made a good choice and I can rely on you to make the right decision.’

‘You’ve given me no choice, have you? I’ll submit my resignation today.’

‘Good. Welcome aboard. We’ll speak later. You won’t regret it.’ Hyacinth replaced the receiver, admired herself in the dressing-table mirror, all the while congratulating herself on her latest plan. That was Daphne neatly moved out of the Beth equation and she had the perfect Matron into the bargain.

Three hours later, Daphne handed in her notice, collected her belongings and left the hospital without telling a soul.

Later that day, rushing along the corridor between wards, Beth, half asleep, literally bumped into Hyacinth.

‘H! What are you doing here?’

‘Hello darling. I’ve come to tell you my good news.’ H lifted her slipping shoulder bag back onto her shoulder. She wanted to prolong this conversation.

‘News? What news?’

‘I’ve accepted a new position, darling,’ Hyacinth lied.

‘A job?’

‘Yes, as you so sweetly put it. A job.’

‘Where?’

ʻHere, of course. I want to be close to you. They’ve been head hunting me for ages so I thought, why not? It’s the perfect opportunity for us darling. I officially accepted this morning, but I won’t be starting for a few months. We have to keep it to ourselves until the official announcement.’ She flicked her hair seductively, expecting Beth to be delighted.

Beth didn’t know if she was or not. It was a bit of a bombshell. Through gritted teeth she forced a smile, ‘Well, isn’t that nice. Congratulations, doctor.’

Linking Beth to walk with her, H continued, ‘I’ve booked our London weekend. We’re going to have a wonderful time, darling, so be ready to go two weeks on Friday. We’ll take the early train. George can drive us to the station.’ She loved rubbing his nose in it. ‘Oh and I have some more friends I want you to meet. I’ll arrange a little get together.’

‘Don’t jump the gun. I could be working.’

‘You’re not, I’ve already checked with George.’

Hyacinth stroked Beth’s arm. Beth wished she would stop treating her like a pet Poodle.

‘Darling, you have forgiven me for last night?’

‘Of course.’ Beth pulled away before anyone had the chance to see them together. It’ll be like this all the time when she works here, she thought, we’ll be continually ducking and diving. Hyacinth liked to take risks; she didn’t. She decided she had put it off long enough. It was time to talk to Lindsay. She could trust her lifelong friend. She would call her tonight.

Uncharacteristically she crashed through the doors into the ward causing the nursing staff to wonder what had ruffled Miss McConnell’s feathers.

Beautiful Strangers: Chapters Eleven and Twelve

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Beth had been trying to contact Hyacinth since their trip to Scotland. She was smitten, her feelings alternating between incredible lust, desperate to get into bed with her, and total self-doubt seeing herself as a stupid fool who had got the situation entirely wrong. Despite leaving several messages, H hadn’t returned her calls. What was the woman playing at? Beth was anxious to make contact, needing some sort of reassurance.

Beth presumed Hyacinth’s silence meant she wasn’t going to Davinia’s birthday party. She convinced herself H was playing with her mind; she didn’t appear to want to play with her body. The party might help to lift her spirits. Despite going with dreary Daphne, she was looking forward to her first glimpse of Melton Manor. From Daphne’s description the Macfarline residence sounded impressive.

On the night of the party they rattled along in Beth’s old car. The Manor was well off the beaten track. The endless private drive twisted through acres of open parkland. Finally they arrived. Built more like a castle, Melton Manor was imposing, and much bigger than Beth’s family home. She couldn’t wait to see inside.

To create an atmosphere, not that they needed to because the place had enough of its own, strategically placed torches were positioned to cast long shadows. Beth loved it.

The minute they stepped out of the car, Beth’s keys were taken by a handsome young man who drove it away to be parked out of sight. Apparently Daddy didn’t like the place to look untidy and her old bone-shaker of a car would certainly lower the tone. Liveried staff ushered them towards a red carpet leading into an arched doorway that spilled out warm welcoming light.

This is some way to live, Beth thought, walking into the grand reception hall where a string quartet played in an alcove. Davinia and Julie were waiting inside to receive their guests. Beth was amused that they were immaculately and identically dressed in purple silk shirts under flowing black kaftans.

‘Come in, darling girls. Have some champagne,’ greeted Julie. She air kissed Beth, and thrust a glass into one hand as she grasped the other continuing, ‘Come with me. Daphne knows lots of people here, but let me introduce you to someone else so you don’t feel left out. Daphne’s sure to get sidelined; she always does!’ Julie chuckled.

Barely giving Beth time to wish Davinia a happy birthday, Julie led her into the garden room — a lovely, mellow yellow room with tall windows reaching down to the floor that opened in such a way you could step out into the walled garden. Numerous fruit trees jostled with each other from behind shrubs in varying stages of bloom, providing a riot of colour. A summerhouse, almost hidden by rhododendron bushes, was just visible in a far corner — perfect for secret liaisons. Holding on tightly to Beth’s hand, afraid of losing her in the throng of chattering women, Julie headed towards a woman sitting alone on one of the comfortable sofas. As they approached, the woman turned her head, glossy dark hair swung across her shoulders and brown eyes smiled up at them.

Beautiful Strangers: Chapters Nine and Ten

CHAPTER NINE

Beth imagined everyone in the hospital was looking at her. She was bursting to tell someone what had happened. She couldn’t. It was their secret, hers and Hyacinth’s. She kept thinking of what it would be like to have sex with a woman. Not just any woman, Hyacinth.

She didn’t feel any guilt, just excitement, and carried on working with a secret smile on her face all the while visualising their weekend in London. After the interrupted shower experience she knew that trip was going to be some learning curve.

Thoughts of Hyacinth continuously danced through her mind, which was exactly what Hyacinth had planned. Checking patient’s records, in a ‘Hyacinth’ daydream, Beth almost missed the apology from Countess Dracula, the Night Nursing Officer.

‘Beth . . . like I said, I’m sorry I caused such a commotion the night you were attending Mr. Green.’ Daphne hesitated briefly wanting to be sure she had Beth’s full attention. ‘He should be settled back home now, shouldn’t he?’

Beth turned, ‘Sorry Daphne. I was miles away. What were you saying?’

Blushing, Daphne continued. ‘I wondered if I could buy you a drink, by way of an apology?’

The invitation seemed genuine and friendly.

‘Thanks Daphne, that is kind, but there’s really no need. I think the student could have used a shot of brandy at the time though. Don’t you?’ Beth laughed.

In daylight Daphne had a look of Amanda Burton. As she persisted with her invitation Beth felt it would be churlish to refuse and arrangements were made for the following Tuesday night when Daphne was off duty.

Then Beth remembered Hyacinth. Would she mind? Why should she? It’s only a drink with a work colleague and, more to the point, was it any of Hyacinth’s business?

Beth purposely dressed down for her night out with Daphne. Comfortable cowboy boots, denim jeans and a matching denim shirt were all she felt able to aspire to. Her luxurious, long, dark hair was pulled back, caught up in a beautiful diamond butterfly comb. Of course she wore her diamond studs. She didn’t feel dressed without them.

She pulled up outside Daphne’s neat little semi, situated in a residential area popular with a lot of hospital staff because of its close proximity to St. Gregory’s. When her old Audi Coupe rattled into the cul-de-sac, she noticed with amusement how several sets of curtains twitched. She really must do something about buying a new car, and soon.

Before she could turn off the engine, Daphne hurried out and jumped into the passenger seat.

Always polite and attempting to break the ice, Beth said, ‘Oh that’s a nice skirt, Daphne.’

Daphne beamed, ‘Thank you. I’m glad you like it.’ She really had made an effort tonight, and was pleased her long flowered skirt had turned out to be a good choice. She suggested they go to a country pub she knew near Morpeth.

Despite it being June, the evening was cool and they were grateful for the roaring log fire in the pub lounge. Settling into easy chairs with a bottle of red wine on the table between them, Daphne started drinking fast while she talked non-stop about the hospital.

The words blurred as Beth fought to keep her tired eyes open.

Half an hour later, Davinia and Julie walked in. Thankful to learn they were friends of Daphne’s, Beth invited the pair to join them, hoping she could soon beat a hasty retreat.

Davinia was in a ‘sit down and pay attention’ mood whereas Julie was in a silly mood. ‘Daphne, did I ever tell you about the time I took Davinia sailing?’

‘I don’t think so.’

‘Oh not that old chestnut,’ Davinia moaned.

‘Davinia is not what you would call a natural sailor.’

‘Understatement,’ Davinia emphasized.

‘It’s always safety first.’ Julie paused to ensure she had their full attention. ‘So the first thing I did was to make sure that we were both fitted with life jackets.’

‘Quite right,’ Daphne said.

‘And every good sailor,’ Julie lifted her glass of wine,‘should have a good supply of booze.’

‘Yes.’ Both Daphne and Beth agreed eagerly.

‘It was rum, Julie. You took rum,’ Davinia butted in.

‘Yes, sweetheart. I did. I took it to make sure you felt confident.’

‘Confident?’ Davinia looked at her enquiringly.

‘Well anyway. There we were on the water and Davinia was having a ball. Singing at the top of her voice, and drinking the rum like there was no tomorrow.’ Julie laughed loudly, remembering. ‘The next thing I know is — she,’ pointing at Davinia, ‘tells me that she’s going to climb the mast. And she did. The boat almost capsized. We were so far over it’s a wonder she didn’t cause us to both fall overboard.’

They all laughed loudly. Davinia’s laugher the loudest of all. Lucky she was wearing a life jacket, Beth thought, although Davinia’s underwear would have given her good buoyancy.

In the lull that followed Julie said to Beth. ‘It’s Davinia’s birthday soon. We’re having a party at the Manor. Please say you’ll come. We’d love to have you with us. It’s all women, of course,’ she winked lewdly.

Beth accepted prettily, ‘How kind. Thank you. I’d love to come along, providing I’m not on duty, that is.’ She’d never been to an all-women party before. She wondered who else would be on the guest list. Would this be the kind of party Hyacinth had talked about?

It turned out to be an unexpectedly enjoyable evening. During the drive back to Newcastle, Daphne described the Manor to Beth, it seemed as though she was a regular visitor. Beth was impressed. It sounded baronial and grand. She loved old property and couldn’t wait to see it. While they were driving along an unlit road in the middle of nowhere Daphne asked Beth to pull over. Thinking she must be feeling ill, Beth immediately stopped the car. She could feel Daphne looking at her.

‘What’s wrong Daphne — are you ill?’

‘No. I’ve been waiting to do this since the day I met you.’ Daphne leaned over. Taking Beth’s face between her hands, she kissed her.

Beth didn’t respond. Alarm bells began ringing in her head. She didn’t want to do this with Daphne, not at all. Not in any way, shape or form.

It wasn’t the same as being kissed by Hyacinth. Fleetingly Beth thought how confusing life could be. Suddenly women were making advances towards her. Why now? Why not when she’d been sixteen and her hormones were raging and sex was sex without questions or analysis. Or better still at university where they had a Lesbian Group. Beth’s sexuality needed looking at and here were two women wanting to do just that!

Disliking Daphne’s taste, Beth removed her hands from her face. Holding onto them to stop Daphne touching her again, she politely said, ‘I’m sorry Daphne, I can’t do this.’

‘Oh Beth, please don’t be sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed. But you are so damned beautiful that I couldn’t resist you. Let’s just forget it ever happened. Please?’

‘Well I can, if you can.’

‘We can still go to Davinia’s birthday party together?’

‘Yes.’ Reluctantly Beth agreed, totally without enthusiasm. ‘I suppose so.’

‘Oh thank you. I’ll look forward to our date.’

‘It’s not a date Daphne.’

Beautiful Strangers: Chapters Seven and Eight

CHAPTER SEVEN

Beth was up at the crack of dawn. She wanted to look perfect and went through her entire wardrobe carelessly flinging clothes on the floor in her search for something that she considered suitable. Why don’t I have some glamorous walking gear? she fumed while putting in her diamond stud earrings.

Hyacinth wouldn’t have cared if Beth had worn a black bin bag. Soon she would be expected to introduce Beth into her inner circle, but she didn’t want to share this one, not yet. She was still kicking herself for getting carried away with the situation in the theatre staff room. She could have blown it, yet her gut instinct had been right. Today, she told herself firmly as she drove into town, she would be on her best behaviour. Absolutely no touching. She smiled as the memory of Beth’s body caused her to place her hand between her legs.

Beth heard the sound of a car horn, looked out of the window and saw Hyacinth waving her down. Better not go in, thought Hyacinth, or we’ll never get going. She switched on the CD player so that when Beth stepped into the car her favourite music would be playing. It had been easy to discover Beth’s musical preferences from the theatre staff and load the CD player accordingly. Let the seduction begin.

‘Good morning, Hyacinth.’ Beth said as she slid into the passenger seat.

Hyacinth looked sideways at Beth.

‘Whoops. Sorry.’ Beth apologized. ‘I mean good morning, H.’

‘That’s better, darling.’ H shot her a killer smile. ‘And good morning to you too.’

‘Aren’t we lucky? The sun’s shining and the weather forecast is good. Unseasonably warm. It looks like we’re set for a good day. What lovely music.’ You’re jabbering, Beth.

‘One of my favourite artists, darling. I heard the weather forecast too. It must have been my sunshine spell that did it, but I‘ve brought a jacket, just in case. Did you think to put one in your bag?’

‘Yes.’ Beth rubbed her clammy hands against her bare legs in an effort to cover her flesh from Hyacinth’s penetrating gaze. Then she searched in her bumbag for her sunglasses.

Aware of Beth’s uneasiness Hyacinth said, ‘Have you settled in okay at St. Gregory’s?’

‘I think so. Thanks for asking. I discovered an old friend working there too. So that was nice.’

‘Really, darling? And who is that?’

‘One of the sisters. Val Taylor.’

‘Oh yes. I know Val. She came to our fundraiser last year. Jolly soul. Game for a laugh if I remember correctly.’

‘Oh yes. That’s Val.’

‘And just what is your connection darling?’

‘We met on the first day of my medical training. She’s been like a guardian angel to me.’

‘Has she now?’ said H, making a mental note to check Val out.

‘She works night duty mostly, and always has some student nurse under her wing these days. She likes to have a joke with them. Jolly them along. She told me about one student,’ Beth started to laugh.

‘Come on then. Spit it out.’

‘Well. Val sent this particular student to theatre for a set of fallopian tubes. When she returned she was carrying two lengths of plastic drain pipes that the theatre porter had obligingly given her.’

They both burst out laughing.

‘She’s not like some of the sisters who treat their staff appallingly, and seem to relish bullying the students. It’s awful.’

‘That’s dreadful. But rest assured — they will reap what they sow.’ H said, as she drove with speed through the rugged northern landscape.

The sun had started to climb into the blue sky. It cast pretty shadows through the high broken clouds enhancing the deep yellow of the hundreds of daffodils heralding their approach to Wordsworth country.

Hyacinth mesmerized Beth; who thought H looked about twenty years old today with her hair up in a ponytail. Beth didn’t know today was H’s fortieth birthday. The more they talked the more Beth fell under her spell. Davinia and Julie became a topic of conversation. Beth discovered Davinia’s daughter Felicity ran an outrageously expensive livery yard on the family estate, and was a successful event rider.

Hyacinth smirked when she said the Macfarlines had staff to attend to their every need, especially Petra, the Swedish housekeeper. ‘Housekeeper my eye.’ H laughed. ‘Petra is so sexy. She has the most beautiful blonde wavy hair I’ve ever seen. She is a natural blonde too.’

Beth gasped. ‘How do you know that?’

‘Believe me, darling. I know,’ H said playfully. ‘And, she has the sexiest pale blue eyes.’ She glanced at Beth to check the effect her words were having, pleased at the jealous sparkle in Beth’s eyes. She continued innocently, ‘Did I mention her amazingly long legs?’

Beautiful Strangers: Chapters Five and Six

CHAPTER FIVE

Giving herself up to the sheer pleasure of successfully gaining Beth’s attention, Hyacinth’s smile was genuine for the first time that day.

For a millisecond Beth imagined Hyacinth was encouraging her gaze, not turning away as she looked directly back at her. She still knew very little about George’s wife except what Val had told her. She had a crazy thought, while their eyes locked, that this woman was enjoying holding the eye contact. The look between them was intense. She felt as though she was being put into a trance. It must have been that second glass of champagne. She knew she’d drunk it too quickly, giving her silly thoughts and hiccups. After what seemed an eternity, she forced herself to tear her eyes away, successfully breaking the contact. She felt disturbed, as if Hyacinth had peered deep into her soul. Val’s words rang in her ears. Be careful of Hyacinth.

Delighted with the effect she was having on her quarry, H moved towards Beth, gliding effortlessly through the melee of guests and easily re-establishing eye contact. Although Beth tried hard to resist, Hyacinth would not allow it. She stood so close their body heat merged as their arms touched.

‘I’m Hyacinth Dickinson. And you are?’ She extended her hand to Beth.

‘Beth. Beth McConnell. I work with George.’ Beth accepted Hyacinth’s outstretched hand. Immediately electricity charged between them. Beth fought to stop it and tried to release her hand, but Hyacinth would not let go.

‘I finally meet you. You’ve no idea how long I’ve been waiting. I’ve been telling George to invite you to dinner for weeks. Typical man, he never got around to it. What do you think of the food Beth? I think Davinia has excelled herself for me.’

‘It looks very appetizing.’ The last thing Beth expected was a conversation about food. Telling herself not to be so stupid she struggled to keep up the small talk. The power surge that Hyacinth generated was overwhelming her, making her feel sick. Yet she was flattered by the attention, and in a weird way found it exhilarating.

‘You must try the carrot cake. It’s one of Davinia’s specialities. But no, perhaps not,’ Hyacinth gazed intently into Beth’s eyes reading her mind, ‘I think the chocolate tart will be more to your taste, darling.’

‘How did you guess?’ She’s just called me darling. Who does she think she is?

‘Trust me Miss McConnell. I know everything.’ Still holding Beth’s hand Hyacinth moved to stand beside her, and slipped her arm possessively around Beth’s waist. ‘Now, darling. You must call me H. A privilege granted only to my closest friends.’

‘I’m flattered. But I’m hardly a close friend.’ Beth said.

Beautiful Strangers: Chapters Three and Four

CHAPTER THREE

The Dickinson’s annual charity bash was due to take place in early May. Beth received her invitation, but wasn’t keen to go. She moaned about it to Val when they next met over a midnight cup of coffee. If she had expected sympathy, she didn’t get it.

‘Don’t be silly, Beth. You have to go. Have you any idea how fussy George’s wife Hyacinth is about who she invites?’

‘Well, I expect all of his surgical team will have received an invite.’

‘No, they haven’t. Only a handful of staff have invitations this year. Anyway, you’ll enjoy The Do.’

‘If you say so.’

‘Oh yes. It’s a classy place the Dickinsons have. I was a guest last year. Not like your family estate, you understand, but it is a big house all the same, out Jesmond way with beautiful gardens. Ultra posh it is.’ Val picked up her coffee cup and put it down again without taking a drink. ‘Wait till you see the swimming pool, indoor of course, straight out of Homes & Gardens with changing rooms big enough to spend your summer holidays in. From what I can remember of last year nearly all the youngsters ended up skinny-dipping at midnight. Come to think of it, it wasn’t just the youngsters. I didn’t bother though; not wanting to be centre-stage!’ Val roared with laughter at her own joke, rocking backwards and forwards in danger of overbalancing and falling off her swivel chair. Wringing her hands together she became serious. ‘Listen . . . ‘she bent forward, looked up and down the ward to see if anyone could hear, making sure no-one was lurking in close proximity. She patted Beth’s knee and said, ‘Hyacinth can be one to watch out for, mind.’

‘What do you mean?’ Beth automatically copied Val looking left and right. ‘Why? What does she do? Apart from being married to George, that is.’

‘Don’t you know?’ Val looked around again not wanting to be overheard. ‘Oh you are slipping up. Well, she’s a gynaecologist. Gave up a brilliant career when she married George. Had two children before you could sneeze, hired a nanny, and returned to work before a decent amount of time had elapsed. Not full time though just part-time, for appearances sake. They say she can wrap George around her little finger. She looks more like a film star than a doctor, dresses like a film star too. Must cost him a fortune. Probably buys her knickers at Harrods.’ Val rocked back in her chair again. ‘Anyway, she travels to Carlisle a couple of days most weeks. She has a clinic-cum-hostel over there for teenage mums who have nowhere to go. That’s what the fundraiser ’s for.’ Val paused weighing up her words, ‘A bit of a card that one.’

Beautiful Strangers: Chapters One and Two

BEAUTIFUL STRANGERS

ELLEN DEAN

Published by

COLBERE PUBLISHING

Copyright © 2009 Ellen Dean

Ellen Dean has asserted her right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. All rights reserved.

Ebook: Smashwords ISBN 978-0-95596748
Ebook: Amazon ASIN B003SNK3S0

Paperback: ISBN 978-0-9559679-1-7

This book is a work of fiction.
All characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, (electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author. Any person who does any unauthorised act in relation to the publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

   

CHAPTER ONE

Adrenaline pumped through Beth’s body, making her glad to be alive. Today was her first official day at St. Gregory’s and it was the first time she had felt this good in over a year.

She forced down a bowl of porridge and a cup of weak tea. Her mother always insisted you should start the day with a good healthy breakfast, especially on cold mornings. She went to the hall mirror to check her appearance. Her long, sleek, brunette hair elegantly swept up into a stylish knot enhanced Beth’s sparkling brown eyes and fine chiseled features. Her pristine white coat glowed in the lamplight. Fashion conscious to the end, under the white coat she wore a cream cheesecloth top over a long denim skirt, and neat designer shoes. Light makeup, and diamond studs in her ears completed her ensemble. She believed it was important to look good for the patients.

She glanced back into the mirror to adjust her collar: a faint image of a blonde woman stood behind her. It was just the briefest glimpse and then she was gone, but it was enough for Beth to see that the woman was offering her a necklace.

Beth shivered as if someone had poured icy water over her. Oh no, not again. I don’t believe this. ‘Leave me alone,’ she shouted. ‘I don’t want any psychic interruptions today.’ She gripped the sides of the mirror as she spoke to it. ‘This is the second time I’ve seen you. Who are you? What do you want with me?’ She took a deep breath. ‘Go away; please leave me in peace.’

She grabbed her duffel coat, picked up her stethoscope, and switched off the lamp. Shutting the door firmly behind her, she stepped out into the dull, chilly February morning.

During the short walk to the hospital, Miss Elizabeth McConnell, Surgeon, heard a chorus of wolf whistles and loud shouts from a gang of friendly Geordie builders working on a nearby building site.

‘Mornin, hinny.’

‘Hi, gorgeous.’

‘Wot yer deein’ tonite, pet?’

She felt the blush, but turned to smile at the builders and gave them a wave. Glancing at her watch, she quickened her step. Better ten minutes early than five minutes late.

She reflected on the events of the past year; events that had brought her here today when to all intents and purposes she would have still been in Edinburgh.