Despite my mother’s warnings, I decided to spend the morning in the garden, reading. To placate her, I wore a wide brimmed hat, so she could be sure I would not spoil my skin.

Henry ran towards me, and my concentration broke.

“What are you reading?” He asked, loosening his tie. “Its frightfully hot, isn’t it?”

I agreed, and followed him to the shade of a sycamore tree.

“I must speak plainly,” Henry burst out, and grasped my arm. “I love you. I can think of nothing but you. If I can’t have you, I will go mad!”

Immediately my manicured hand flew to my glossy lips, and I swayed a little, before falling into his arms.

“But we have only known each other for one summer,” I argued, pulling my mouth from his.

“We’re soul mates. There’s nothing else to it.” I succumbed to his words, and allowed him slip off my dress, kissing and clinging to him all the while.

A week later, when he had returned to his hometown, I found out from Sue that Henry was engaged to be married.

I’m still alive, but barely breathing.