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They both laughed.

There she was.

For one fleeting moment, he could see the girl he remembered beneath the polished young woman before him. Then Sarah lifted her chin, and the moment shifted. Her eyes remained bright, her manner unchanged, but her nearness became suddenly difficult to ignore.

He caught the faint scent of lavender as the breeze moved between them.

Sarah smiled at him, though something in her expression softened.

Henry looked away first.

“You have grown.”

Sarah raised an eyebrow.

“That is generally what happens over five years.”

“Yes, but—” He stopped. But what? But I scarcely recognise you. But you are beautiful. But I remember a girl with tangled hair and muddy shoes, and I do not know what to do with the woman standing before me. His gaze caught briefly on her mouth before he forced it back to her eyes. He cleared his throat. “You look very well.”

Sarah smiled.

“So do you.”

The words were simple, but the pause that followed them was not. Henry felt warmth rise beneath his collar and wondered whether the journey had left him overheated. Sarah’s fingers tightened around her bonnet, though her expression remained perfectly composed.

A silence fell between them.

Henry became aware of the steady beat of his heart, far too quick for a greeting between old friends.

Then Sarah’s expression brightened.

“Come.”

She turned toward the house.

“Our mothers have been waiting all afternoon, and if we make them wait another minute, they will send someone to drag you inside.”

Henry followed, grateful for the movement.

“And I suppose you have become terribly obedient in my absence?”

Sarah glanced back over her shoulder.

Her smile was wicked.

“Not remotely.”

Henry laughed.

“Good.”

She slowed until they were walking beside one another. Their sleeves came close, though did not quite touch. The narrow distance seemed more noticeable than contact might have been. Henry found himself aware of every step, every shift of fabric, every glimpse of her profile in the fading light.

For a moment, neither spoke.

Then Sarah said quietly, “I missed you.”

Henry looked at her.