[b]“So are you telling me that you do not expect me to leave?”[/b] Arthur asked in surprise. As enjoyable as their time had been for himself, and he had hoped, for Matilda as well, he had not expected his company to be welcomed after their arrival to Wakehurst.

[b]‘Then I refuse to make a choice, because I don’t want to leave.” [/b]

He took a cup of tea instead and sat on a chair near the couch. He hadn’t expected the evening to unfold as it did. To be sipping tea in the company of Matilda Farr whom he had not thought of for several years. Several hours previously he could not distract his mind from thoughts of the war and what awaits him and his men upon their return. Now all he could think about was her...

[b]“But I do recall you telling me to avoid the jam, which I presume is still the case.”[/b]

He was transfixed by the loose curl that had found its way free near her ear. A part of him longed to gently tuck the loose hair behind her ear, and to feel her cheek brush against his fingers. [i]What am I doing[/i] he thought, taking a sip to bring him back to reality.

[b]“So please do tell me Matilda. How does a woman of your character like to spend her evening? Other than inviting Military Officers in for scones.[/b]” He asked trying to draw his mind back to the here and now. But instead he found himself glancing too long at her flushed pink lips.