Contents
I need you to be Harold
A weekend in New England begins in all innocence — until Paul agrees to stand in for a boyfriend who has failed to show.
The Hand of Nicias
Art restorer Hana Kerosi is on the verge of abandoning her chosen career when she is offered an unusual commission.
Up on the Downs
The year is 1917 and a chance encounter on the Berkshire downs brings together poet and painter, both with memories of a less peaceful place.
Sahel
In a village on the edge of the Sahara, all the whispers are of whether Kadré will be one of the ten boys, chosen from thousands, whose names will be on the list pinned outside the office of the Préfet.
The Chosen One
An incomer to the village is flattered to be invited to dinner at the Manor, home of a well-known recluse.
Incident in Assisi
His wife is a high priestess of the contemporary art scene, but Tom is finding it hard to keep the faith.
The Greatest Journey
Passionate Socialist George Bernard Shaw is persuaded to co-author a book with his ill-tempered Tory neighbour.
To Helsinki and back
Celebrating their silver wedding by recreating their first date seemed like a romantic idea at the time.
The Wine of Forgiveness
On the evening of her retirement, Kat Sokalska dines alone at a sidewalk bistro on Manhattan’s Lexington Avenue. But from downtown, the chanting is growing nearer.
Comfort
She had agreed to meet him for a drink, but will she turn up? And why hadn’t he chosen a place where he could be comfortable?
The Institute
Billiards practice night at the Men’s Institute and top board man Arthur Tingle is sizing up a new member who looks like he can handle a cue.
The Unposted Letter
A few days after Dora’s funeral, an unexplained letter is found among her effects.
Boiled Egg with Rosie
When Martin volunteers to take over the cooking, Rosie couldn’t be more pleased …
Desiderata
Iris sits in the church each week hoping she will not be seen as she reads The Gospel according to Sharon.
The Wall
Class walls are usually metaphorical, but in this case the wall between slum and shanty is built of bricks … until one night the wall is breached.