fruit would be a welcome addition to the breakfast table. And then she’d talk to her father about the plan she’d hatched as she’d tossed and turned in her bed. She needed to leave Ardtuath, to get away from Alec and his family. She couldn’t bear the thought of his deception, of seeing him with Diana again. Her presence here would be awkward for everyone, not least for her father and brother who depended on the estate for their home. But now, she told herself firmly, she’d discovered skills she could put to good use to support herself, and a voice of her own. She would ask for a transfer to another base and that would get her away by the time Alec returned. Then, once the war was over, she’d find work somehow, wherever she ended up. She’d miss her family and friends, she knew, with a pang that made her heart constrict. And she’d miss singing with the Aultbea Songbirds. But there’d be other opportunities, other chances. Even, perhaps, another man one day, one whom she could trust and who would love her back as she loved him.
A movement in the shadows among the pines made her glance up, and she set down the bowl of berries and wiped her hands on her apron as Lady Helen approached, hurrying down the path.
‘Good morning, your ladyship.’
Lady Helen brushed aside the greeting. Her ordinarily pale cheeks were flushed and she seemed a little out of breath. ‘Flora! I’m so glad I’ve found you.’ She seized Flora’s arm. ‘Please, you have to believe me when I tell you Alec loves you and only you.’ Her words tumbled out with none of her usual reserve.
Flora looked at her in speechless astonishment.
‘My husband is guilty of the most terrible interference. He considers it his right to control the lives of everyone around him. For too long I’ve allowed him to do so, but I cannot stand by and watch him destroy my son. Alec loves you. He told me about your letter. Yes, Diana has been staying for a few days, but at my husband’s invitation once again. Alec was furious and he didn’t want to tell you, knowing it would only upset you. Yesterday he had an almighty row with his father and he told Miss Kingsley-Scott in no uncertain terms that he wasn’t the slightest bit interested in her. He got back late, after driving her to the train. It was then that he found your letter. He’s devastated, Flora. You’re the girl he loves. And now he’s had to go and get on that bloody ship and sail away again, thinking you don’t love him any more, and it’s breaking my heart . . .’
She’d never heard Lady Helen utter so many words and in such a forceful tone. And one of them a swear word, too! As she got over her initial shock and the words sank in, Flora pressed her hand to her mouth. She spun around wildly towards the loch where the merchant ships were lined up in their positions now, waiting for the off.
‘No!’ she cried. ‘Alec! I have to go to him! I have to tell him I got it all wrong.’
She tried to turn, to run towards the pier, but Lady Helen hadn’t yet relinquished her grip. ‘Here,’ her ladyship said. ‘Take this with you.’ She pressed something into Flora’s hand. ‘Now go!’
Flora’s feet flew down the path, across the road, along the shore. But she was too late. As she watched, gasping for breath, the Kite slipped into its position at the head of the convoy and began to lead the line of ships towards the mouth of the loch. She waved both arms above her head, hoping that he might glimpse her there, but knowing he was already too far away. She dashed the tears from her eyes and then opened her hand to look at the sweetheart brooch that Lady Helen had given back to her. She took it and carefully pinned it on to her shawl as she stood watching the convoy leave.
‘Come back to me,’ she whispered. And the breeze took her words and scattered them out across the silver waters.
It was late August, a week after Alec had left. Honeysuckle spilled from the hedgerows and the song of the skylarks drifted on the summer breeze. Flora was walking home from the base when she saw the Laverock boys jogging towards her along the road. It was one of