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Was it because he respected Polly? Knew that once she adjusted she would pick herself up and walk tall, head high, daring anyone to criticise her choices?

Or because he instinctively knew that she hid her weaknesses froht ti time—for her to collapse on him the way she had

No matter why his usual ‘turn tail and run’ instincts weren’t functioning normally Not yet

But they would He didn’t have to worry

‘What do you want to do?’ He turned the question onto her

‘Not get wet?’ Polly glared at the windscreen as if she could stop the rain with pure force of will ‘I took the day off to enjoy the sunshine Besides, an or an umbrella’

‘It arot to factor in the crazy British weather’

‘Between May and September it’s wise to carry an umbrella, a wrap and sunscreen at all times Let that be your first lesson in British life That and always have an indoor alternative’

‘I would suggest lunch but after that breakfast you just ate’ he said slyly

‘I’h in her cheeks ‘And I’ve barely eaten anything for the last week or two I was in a n say?’

Gabe peered through the slanting rain at the colourful poster, ga in the wet and cold ‘Probably some kind of fete,’ he said ‘The British summer, alet and cold and yet full of outdoor events You’re an optihtfully

‘No, it’s not that Oh!’ With that squeal she put the indicator on and turned down the winding lane indicated by the poster ‘It’s a Vintage Festival Do you mind?’

‘As long as it’s dry and indoors’

‘What? Mr Triathlete scared of a little rain?’

‘Non, just a man from the South of France who likes summer to be just that, summery’

‘Oh, boy, are you in the wrong country’

The s and it took Polly a few ate its twists and turns before she followed another sign that took the, tree-lined driveway Gabe caught a gliraceful house before the road took them round to a busy car park