It was definitely love. Clare loved everything about Hal and not least his beautiful eyes. They were an unusual colour. Sometimes they looked brown and sometimes green, depending on the colour he was wearing. He had a fine physique and he was a true gentleman. "There aren't many of those left." Kathy said and Clare had to agree. Hal was very polite and well mannered. When Clare was with him she felt loved and protected and nothing could harm her. It was a warm, cosy feeling and lots more besides. What she loved best of all was his deep, dark voice. No mere words could adequately describe it. When he spoke, her knees turned to jelly!

A couple of months after they met, Hal took her to see his house. Clare liked it the moment she saw it, although it was Bohemian, like him. It was an old Victorian house, with lots of original features. It was shabby here and there, needing re-decorating and new carpets, but he had some lovely antique furniture, inherited from his aunt. As he showed her around, Clare noticed that the colours in the rooms clashed and nothing seeming to match, which was not surprising knowing Hal.

The last room he showed her was a study, which was cluttered and thick with dust.

"I have a cleaning lady," said Hal "but she isn't allowed in here."

"Why ever not?" asked Clare.

"Too many personal things, I prefer to clean it myself." he replied.

Clare puckered up her nose and pointed to a large black cobweb hanging down from the ceiling. "But it hasn't been dusted for months, just look at it."

He laughed.

"Okay," he said "I'll dust it tomorrow."

"Oh no you won't, you'll do it now!"

She was persuasive so he fetched a duster, but it was Clare who did the dusting and soon it was looking better. "It could do with a good vacuum, too." she said. Suddenly, she spotted a musical instrument in a plastic cover on the table, half covered by dusty books. She carefully wiped away the dust, unzipped the cover and took it out. It was a beautifully crafted, hand made guitar. She turned it over in her hands.

"How amazing! Is it Spanish? Is it yours?"

"It is Spanish, but it's not mine. It belonged to my ex wife."

Clare thought nothing of it and later went into the kitchen to make tea. Coming back with their drinks she heard the most haunting, spell binding music. In the study she found Hal bent over the guitar, playing. He'd lied to her. He was a competent musician. It was then that she realised how very much she loved him. She was well and truly smitten.

"You little fibber!" she said.

As Hal smiled, his eyes twinkled brightly.

"I've got no secrets now, have I?"

Clare thought to herself, no... no more secrets.

It was May, but it was cold and wet. As usual, everyone was complaining about the British weather and longing for a warm, dry summer. It was now six months into their relationship. Hal had his arm around Clare who was leaning against his chest and they were listening to music in his lounge. Suddenly he sat bolt upright. "I love you, my dear," he said "I think it's time we were engaged." She looked at him in surprise and he carried on speaking, looking deeply into her eyes and holding onto her arms, as if frightened she would run away.

"No, no, what I mean is...will you marry me?"

He had never said he loved her before and although she was half expecting it, it was still overwhelming.

"I don't know what to say" she replied.

"You say, 'Yes, Hal, of course, I'll marry you' that's what you're supposed to say or don't you want to?" Hal looked at her very intently, a concerned look upon his face.

"I love you Clare, I love you so much. Please say yes?"

"I love you too. Of course I'll marry you."

Hal pulled her towards him and kissed her passionately. It was several seconds before they stopped.

"Come and live with me, sweetheart. I think we're ready, don't you?" Hal had a strange look on his face. She hoped it wasn't desperation. She wasn't known for beating about the bush. 'If a thing's worth saying, then get on and say it' she always said, even though sometimes she found it difficult.

"I'm sorry, but I can't live with you, it would be hypocritical of me. Most people think I'm crazy, but I've decided I won't sleep with a man until I'm married. I don't think it's right. Well, not for me... at least."

There was a long awkward silence and Clare avoided his gaze. 'It's make or break now,' she thought. Hal lifted her chin with his finger and smiled lovingly at her, adoration shining from his eyes. "My dearest darling, don't you worry your pretty little head. It doesn't matter."

"You understand?" asked Clare.

"Yes, I do." said Hal nodding his head "Principles are principles and if that's the way you feel I respect you for it. I'd rather have a wife I can respect, I certainly couldn't respect my ex-wife."

"What was her name?" asked Clare.

"I'd rather not say."

"But you spoke of her just now."

"Only as a comparison, I was comparing her to you. I'd much rather have you sweetheart."

Hal was obviously upset, he didn't like talking about his ex wife and Clare said no more.

"I'd like a Church wedding, would you?" he asked. Clare sighed with relief. Hal was wonderful! He was the right man for her. He truly understood her feelings and after all, wasn't that what marriage was all about?