Page 109 of Down Jasper Lane (Amherst Island Trilogy)

“We’ve been gone long enough, I suppose,” he said. “Jed and Louisa will be saying their goodbyes soon. They’re spending the night in Ogdensburg. Captain Jonah is taking them across specially.”

Lucas stretched out his hand to help Ellen from the steps, and as she took it he pulled her close enough to kiss her cheek. She felt the rasp of faint stubble against her chin and his lips were surprisingly soft as he brushed them against her cheek.

“I’ll say my goodbye now,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “Godspeed on your journey, Ellen. I know you’ll go far.” And then he stepped away, and they walked in silence back to the party.

Find out about Ellen’s adventures in Glasgow on the eve of the First World War in On Renfrew Street, available Summer 2016. You can order it here.