Sitting at their table, Jeremy perused the menu.

'What are you having?' Belinda said, looking up.

'I don't know, it'll all taste the same to me anyway, this home-style food always does.' He said dismissively. He gazed over to where Anna was talking to a guest. 'Can you believe she got married?' He said incredulously.

'It would appear she did. I think I might try the coq au vin.' She said, closing her menu.

'It's so not like her.' Jeremy continued, warming to his point. 'This is what I was trying to explain to you. All this…' He waved the menu to indicate their surroundings. 'This is just not Anna. She has to plan everything, and as for horseback riding…' He pulled a face.

'Perhaps she feels differently away from the constraints of home and career?' Belinda said.

'That's exactly my point, we had the perfect apartment, the perfect jobs, we were happy. There must be some medical explanation, that's all I can think of.'

The customer Anna had been talking to began to raise his voice, arms flailing in angry gesticulation.

'Listen, you idiot American bimbo, I told you I am not prepared to wait until nine thirty, I expect me and my family to be seated now, this minute!'

'I'm sorry Sir.' Anna replied, quite calmly but easily audible in the now hushed restaurant. 'As I explained, you have a party of six and no reservation. We are fully booked this evening and unfortunately, I can't fit in such a large party. However, as I offered, I can ask the chef if he is happy to accommodate you on a later sitting.'

'Are you stupid or just really terrible at your job?' The man raged, leaning across the counter. 'There is a table, right there.' He pointed to an empty table. 'We could have been seated by now.'

'You are correct, there is an empty table, which is reserved for a party for eight thirty, they will be seated shortly because they booked in advance.' Anna said firmly holding the man's gaze with a steady one of her own.

'Now you listen to me…' The man really was starting to shout.

'This is getting out of hand.' Jeremy said making to rise to his feet.

Belinda waved him to be seated and nodded with her head towards the other end of the bar. Declan stood leaning against a pillar, for all intents and purposes, enjoying a pint. He had one ear very firmly on the heated exchange at the other end of the restaurant.

'The owner is a personal friend and you'll be looking for a new job in the morning!' The man was finishing as he towered over her.

'Now, you listen to me.' Anna said so firmly the man actually took a step back. 'I have tried to be accommodating but now you are being just…' She hesitated. 'Just downright rude. You do not have a reservation and now you will not be having any dinner at all. I suggest you and your family leave immediately before I have you removed.' She folded her arms. 'And as for your great personal friendship with the owner, as I don't remember seeing you at our wedding I can assume that you are full of…' She hesitated again. 'Full of poo. So, I suggest you go now, and please don't hesitate to never come back which sucks for you because our food is amazing.'

With much grumbling and urged by his wife the man and his family reluctantly left. Anna wandered to the other end of the bar where Declan was just finishing his drink.

'Someone scuttle out to tell you I was in trouble?' She said, her temper still up.

'No. I came to have a drink.'

'In the middle of the dinner orders?' She said sceptically.

'I was thirsty.' He said with a shrug.

'I could handle it.' She said.

'I didn't say you couldn't.' He replied.

'Ok then.' Anna said moving away.

'Ok then.' Declan moved towards the kitchen.

'Declan?'

'What?' He turned around to find her standing behind him.

Reaching up on tip-toes she kissed him on the cheek. 'Thanks.'

He grinned briefly before returning to the kitchen. 'For what.' He called over his shoulder. 'Didn't do anything Bob.'

Anna, smiling to herself, returned to her post.

'Time to get up.' Anna said, pulling at Declan's arm. His head was buried firmly under the covers and he refused to move.

'Declan!' She said, pulling back the duvet.

'Declan's not here.' He replied, shoving his head under the pillow.

'Well, he'd better be considering the events of last night?' Anna said flopping down on the bed.

A very sleepy Declan appeared with a huge grin of remembrance on his face. He stretched, an arm snaking around his wife as he pulled her towards him. She nestled into his shoulder.

'Do you think they're a couple? Maybe a new couple?' Anna mused. 'They're in separate rooms so they obviously haven't got to the sleeping together stage.'

'Look the woman said they're friends, end of.' He added, kissing the top of her head.

'Aren't you curious?' She asked, looking up at him.

'Ugh give me strength.' He muttered. 'What does it matter if they're friends or a couple or nothing at all, it's none of our business… unless you're jealous?' He opened an eye. 'Is that it, you're jealous?'

'Of course not.' Anna snapped trying to pull away, but Declan's arm held her tight.

'Mrs O'Brady Callaghan, tell me true. Are you jealous of yon man and whoever that woman is?'

Anna leaned up on one elbow, so she could look him in the eye. 'No, I am not jealous.' She said.

'Good,' He replied pulling her back into his embrace. 'So, stop blathering about it and give me five more minutes.'

'I'm afraid Jeremy won't be able to join us for breakfast.' Belinda said smiling as she sat opposite them at the table.

Declan turned to Anna and gave her a long stare to indicate his irritation. 'That's ok, it's not like any of us had to get up especially after a really long night.' He said bitterly.

'I'm afraid it was work. His colleague wanted Jeremy's opinion on a procedure and they were going to conference call directly into the theatre.' Belinda explained. 'He could be some time.'

'Of course.' Anna said brightly. 'I'm sure we three can enjoy a nice breakfast together.'

'Speaking of which, I was wondering if I could join you for your horseback riding this morning?' Belinda asked as she poured the coffee.

'Oh.' Anna exclaimed. 'I… um… well yes of course, if you would like to.'

'I would very much. I imagine it's a wonderful way to see the countryside, do you think your friend would mind?'

Anna gave Declan an enquiring look. 'I'm sure she'd would be more than happy to accommodate you. Do you ride yourself?'

'Oh yes.' Belinda said smiling at Declan a little longer than Anna thought appropriate. 'But not for years.'

'I'll give Ashling a call, you'll be grand.' He said, as their meal arrived.

Mounted on their ponies, one of the stable girls rode in front as Belinda and Anna rode side by side behind. A few snippets of small talk later, they rode in silence.

'He must be something special?' Belinda asked eventually.

'Declan?' Anna gave a wry smile. 'He's something all right.'

Belinda raised an eyebrow. 'But to come all this way, give up everything?'

'I don't really think of it as giving up anything, more gaining everything.' She warmed to her theme, gazing off dreamily into the distance. 'Declan is infuriating, stubborn, difficult, funny, sweet, kind, brave, but in the kind of way that makes you want to be brave too. He's unpredictable, always surprising me and yet no matter what, I know he's always there if I need him.' Realising that she was gushing, Anna blushed.

'You mean like last night?'

Anna looked confused before realisation dawned. 'I mean exactly like last night.'

'But he didn't intervene?' Belinda asked.

'He wouldn't.' Anna said with a wave of her hand. 'Not unless he had to. I can stick up for myself. He often says, 'You've got that sharp tongue in your head haven't you woman?' She laughed. 'And of course, I have no problem standing up to him! But if there's a real problem that I can't handle on my own, I know he'll be there to back me up.'

Belinda nodded.

'So, what's the story with you and Jeremy.' Anna asked just as their guide turned around in the saddle.

'Are we ready for a trot then ladies?' She said with a smile.

Anna's curiosity would have to wait.