"So, Jean, is there a man in your life?" The other women at the table, gathered for the annual state Women's Institute meeting, listened for her reply with interest.

Jean forced a tight smile. She enjoyed seeing Doris Parks but she'd come to dread the regular interrogations. "I'm much too busy for such things."

Was Jean settled in her position with young Doctor Blake? The stories Danny told! She was always welcome to move here to Bendigo…

But once that foray was fended off, Doris returned to the only other option for Jean; to remarry. Jean demurred with vague suggestions that she was terribly busy, the prospects weren't good in Ballarat, who would want a middle-aged widow, only to have Doris segue to the worse familiar topic of all.

"It's just such a tragedy."

Jean hummed and took a sip of tea. Perhaps another friend would come by the table and rescue her…

"You and Christopher were soulmates. All us girls were envious. He was so handsome! Those blue eyes and dark curls!"

"Yes, yes, he was." Jean stumbled on confusedly. "We were."

"You can only expect that sort of thing once in your life," Doris noted. "You should look for someone stable; a good provider."

"Certainly," Jean agreed.

A hush fell over the room and heads turned. A man stood outlined in the doorway by the bright light, then stepped forward.

"Who's that?" Doris asked. His wide shoulders brushed through the crowd, his intense gaze seeking; he spotted Jean. His grin spread his speckled beard and revealed his dimples.

"He's for me," Jean said and stood.

"I was out this way on a house call," Lucien said, "and thought I'd save you a bus ride."

"You have saved me," Jean said with relief and collected her handbag and coat.