I'm not really very sure where this story's going to go but we start this the morning after Gabriel and Dorcas' 'little meeting'. They have decided to keep their relationship quiet until Dorcas can get the business of the post office sorted out, but this may lead to all sorts of trouble, perhaps involving an infatuated Miss Pearl...

The first chapter's a bit wishy-washy but there is drama yet to come if you bear with me

Gabriel woke just before sunrise, an orange glow had set itself over the opposite roof tops, ready to burst into golden sunlight. It was going to be a fine day. He smiled as images from the previous night's meeting outside the post office filled his head and his stomach gave a lurch. He was actually happy, a feeling that had escaped him since his late wife had died. The thought of his wife now did not sadden him, nor anger him in fact. She was there, in his mind, but he felt nothing. Unease crept over him slightly as he remembered what Dorcas had asked of him the previous night. To keep things quiet for the time being. In his experience this was never a good idea, especially in a place like Candleford where you were unlikely to keep anything from the meddlesome Pratt sisters for more than a day but Dorcas did always seem to know best...

He dressed quickly and slipped down stairs into the semi-dark kitchen. Minnie had obviously not yet risen, so he helped himself to some toast before packing a small bag of food and scribbling a note to Dorcas. He then stepped out of the door into the sunrise towards Lark Rise.

Dorcas Lane woke to the bang of the back door. The early sunlight streaming through a gap in the curtains told her that it was just after sunrise, but who could be heading out so early? If she knew Thomas Brown at all he would be heading out on his round until properly fed and watered. Just as she was deliberating this matter she heard a creek on the landing a floor below, Minnie must be up. She sleepily stepped onto the cold floor and put on her dressing gown and headed to the kitchen.

"Oh, morning ma'am, I was just about to bring up your tea and toast to you but-"

"Minnie," Dorcas cut across before she could continue further, "Did you just open the back door?"

"No ma'am, I suspect it was Gabriel, he left a note with your name on here"

Dorcas took the note before Minnie could open it and headed back upstairs to wash and dress, flicking it open quickly, her stomach giving an uneasy jolt.

Dorcas,

I have taken a morning stroll over to Lark Rise to discuss

further workings on my machine with farmer Morris.

In case the desire should come upon you to join me for lunch

later, I have packed a small picnic basket.

Gabriel x

Dorcas' heart skipped a beat and she smiled stupidly, before she mentally chastised herself for acting so immature.