“What?” Malou’s eyes widened in surprise. That was not a thing men and women joked about. Malou certainly knew she’d never be bold enough for such a statement. But Fallon was a different matter altogether. “Oh Fallon, nevermind you being smitten. He very clearly is.” Malou’s words were a gentle chiding as she watched Fallon’s fingers run over the flower, the ring nicely fitting her finger.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” There was no hurt in her voice, just quiet curiosity. Fallon had told her about JP’s letter, about Mr. MacFusty’s letters. For as long as Malou could remember they had traded their secrets to the safe keeper of the other. But not about this. Nor about her disappearance, or, Malou was beginning to feel, about Fallon’s real feelings for either man (that, however, could be explained in Malou’s opinion by Fallon’s own confusion on the matter).