Chapter 4
“But we will wait and see,” he continued, “With all the prospective parties and more local young people joining us over Christmas, if Freddy has his head turned by a new arrival, then we will know we were right not to let this go further. If he stays true to you, then you have your answer.”
They took the curve of the path that led towards the clearing where the greenery was being sorted by a busy throng.
“Thank you,” Belinda said gratefully. “I feel most reassured by your words. Cousin Jane has been urging me to encourage Freddy and get an engagement settled as soon as possible, but I could not be easy in my mind about such haste.”
As they drew closer to the main group, Jonathan added, “I think you have been most discerning, and your behaviour has done you great credit.” They smiled at each other in perfect understanding and Jonathan patted her arm before he set down the fully-laden basket to be picked over by the busy sorters. 4