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the thought of Luke’s wife was disturbing. This was a feeling even she herself could not understand.
    When they arrived back at Ferndale Taryn was surprised to see a white Volvo outside her aunt’s cottage. Visitors were rare in this secluded village and she wondered who it could be. She dropped off an inquisitive Janice and pulled up behind the expensive-looking car.
    She ought to have known. Who else would arrive in such style? Immediately she opened the door the deep tones of his voice reached her ears. ‘Ah, Taryn. I hoped you wouldn’t be long.’
    He was alone in the room. ‘Hello, Luke. This is a surprise. Gammy said you weren’t coming until the weekend. Where is she?'
    ‘Making tea—as usual. This is only a flying visit, I’m afraid. I was in Bristol, so thought I’d call in and see how things were going.’
    ‘But that’s miles away,’ exclaimed Taryn.
    ‘Not the way I drive.’
    ‘That reminds me, thank you for hiring the Mini. You really shouldn’t have bothered.’
    ‘And how would you have got about?’ he scoffed. ‘I can’t imagine Dainty taking kindly to the towns.’
    ‘I’d have managed,’ she said, ‘but I must admit it’s a big help. Have you been here long?’
    ‘A few minutes—but I can’t stay. You’ve met Andy?’
    ‘Oh, yes. We had a good session yesterday.’ Her eyes lit up. ‘I’m really looking forward to the transformation of Dale End. I’ve started ordering the furniture already. By the way, do you think Mrs Major would like a four-poster bed? I’ve seen a gorgeous one in Exeter which would fit into the tower room perfectly.’
    He smiled at her enthusiasm. ‘I’m sure she would. I don’t think you need worry about her not liking anything you choose. She’s very adaptable.’
    What a peculiar way of describing his wife, mused Taryn, before continuing, ‘One other thing, is there any limit on money? I’m having everything charged to you at Dale End.’
    ‘Spend what you like,’ he said agreeably. 'I can afford it.’
    How nice not to have to count the cost, thought Taryn drily. Mark had been the same; money had meant nothing to him—easily gained and easily lost.
    ‘Now what are you thinking?’ he asked. ‘You really must learn to guard your feelings, Taryn. You were looking at me then as though you positively loathed me.’
    ‘I was?’ Taryn sounded surprised. ‘I didn’t mean to.’
    ‘It was Mark again, wasn’t it? Aren’t you ever going to stop relating the two of us?’
    Taryn sighed. ‘If only I could! You can’t imagine how difficult it is.’
    ‘Indeed I can, but I think it’s a matter of being strong-minded. You’re not trying hard enough. Every time you look at me you think of the other man, whether consciously or not I don’t know. Take the other day ’
    ‘Yes,’ cut in Taryn, ‘I must apologise for my behaviour. I’m sorry, I’ll try not to let it happen again.’
    ‘Your aunt says you almost changed your mind about the job?’
    ‘I did change my mind. If you hadn’t gone I should have told you. I can’t help how I feel, Luke. I do try, believe me, but Mark has scarred me for life whether I like it or not.’
    ‘He sounds a bit of a cad. I hope you don’t really compare me with him?’
    Taryn smiled. ‘Not character-wise. I’m beginning to find that out. It would be interesting to see you both together. Have you been to Italy?’
    His thick brows rose. ‘Is that where you met him?’ and as Taryn nodded, ‘I was there last year, as a matter of fact. In Naples. I was ’
    He stopped and Taryn urged him on, her heart beating a sudden tattoo within her breast. ‘You were what?’
    ‘I thought of opening a hotel there,’ he said casually, ‘but I changed my mind. Ah, here’s tea, and then I must go.’
    Was this sufficient proof of his identity? Taryn still was not sure. As he drank his tea and chatted to Gammy she studied him even more closely, trying to find some difference in his appearance that would