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    He denied knowing Jasmine that well, yet he knew people called her and her sister the flower girls; he’d also called Jasmine, Jas. To get away with that he had to know Jasmine very well—she was very particular about her name. There wasn’t a lot she did know about Jasmine’s life here but one thing she was sure of, Edward Donnington knew a lot more about Jasmine than he was letting on He was a liar and was seeking to deceive her. Did he think that Seth would care if he knew what was going on? Perhaps Jasmine’s husband would, if he loved her, but Poppy wasn’t sure that was the case either. Instantly Poppy regretted agreeing to come out with Edward Donnington. He wasn’t going to tell her anything about Jasmine, or where, if he had a hint, she might be. She was realizing as well that by not saying anything, she’d deceived Seth Sanderson. Instinctively she knew he wouldn’t like it. She didn’t like it either; it lay inside her, a heavy lump of deceit. She wasn’t a deceitful person. This evening wasn’t going to be fun.
    However, Edward Donnington was good company. Throughout the meal he was engaging and charming, and in spite of her misgivings Poppy found him easy to talk with. He had a way of drawing her out over the meal. It was something he had in common with his cousin. Seth had that way too. However, Edward said little about himself, and was vague about the something he did in the city. He was only home for a few days.
    “If you come to London we could meet up,” he said. “I have to be back on Monday. I hope to be down later in the year. It’s such a damn shame. I don’t suppose you’d like to come for a weekend?”
    No way, but she smiled and made an excuse. It was more than likely that she would be leaving soon, she hadn’t much idea where she’d go but if she did get to London she’d be sure to get in touch.
    He gave her a card. It was plain and classy, giving his name, e-mail and phone number. She put it carefully in her bag. Perhaps if she went to London…
    What am I thinking!
    She gave him a glance. He was too good-looking. She might seem attractive here in the wilds of Yorkshire, but in London he would have his choice of far more attractive girls than her. Besides, the main thing was that in spite of all the charm and the good looks, he wasn’t her type. He didn’t cause that little frisson of delight someone else had done.
    “What do you think of the food here?”
    “Wonderful, I love lamb, though I hardly ate it in Florida. I think I lived on a diet of salad though I’m not complaining about that. But I’d forgotten how good English cuisine can be. I mean this is just a country inn but the food’s fabulous.”
    “Of course. My family love this place. It’s always had the reputation of good, wholesome food. Let me pour you another glass of wine. I can’t have more than two.”
    “Goodness, I hadn’t better get tipsy.”
    “You won’t. I hope you’re going to try dessert, they make these fabulous English puddings…”
    Jasmine, she thought, did you like it here? You ate like a bird—I’m sure you’d have loved the surroundings but you’d have played with the food.
    Suddenly her eyes felt in danger of filling with tears. Just where was her sister, why was she behaving so badly?
    Whatever Seth Sanderson had done, or more likely not done, there was no excuse for her sister to take off as she had done. Especially not when she knew her sister was leaving everything she loved to join her.
    “You look a little glum. Is it something I said?” Edward’s voice was full of concern.
    “Oh no, sorry. I was just thinking about…” She hesitated, swallowing, searching for a lie. “About how wonderful everything is here. I didn’t like it when I first arrived but somehow…there’s a warm comfortableness about it.”
    “Really? I hate it. Bloody damp and cold most of the time. I couldn’t live here permanently, too gloomy.”
    “I thought so too but…” She