La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Overnight Review

Posted on July 29, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

I am a fan of La Roche-Posay. I always find their products are good to my skin. The Toleriane Ultra Overnight is for sensitive skin, combining powerful antioxidant with soothing active ingredients. I have been using this for a few months now and I am a huge fan. It is lightweight on skin and sinks in well. It really hydrates and soothes. It has made a difference to my skin, making it less dry and healthier. It is very soothing and I notice a difference in my skin if I forget to apply it. I would definitely buy this. It is a great product and the price is reasonable. I also love the packaging, which is air-tight to protect it. Great stuff.

TOLERIANE ULTRA OVERNIGHT (£17.50)

NEW for 2016, La Roche–Posay introduces breakthrough night care to help hyper-sensitive skin feel ready to face the day in comfort. Adhering to La Roche–Posay’s strict minimal formulation charter and air-tight packaging to protect its purity, Toleriane Ultra Overnight combines a powerful antioxidant duo with soothing active ingredients to minimise discomfort, giving sensitive skin what it needs to help repair itself, overnight.

SENSITIVE SKIN IS AN INCREASINGLY COMMON COMPLAINT AMONG UK WOMEN, WITH SUFFERERS EXPERIENCING A RANGE OF UNPLEASANT SYMPTOMS.

Even during sleep, sensitive skin has no respite. People with sensitive skin can sometimes wake up and feel like their skin is already irritated and uncomfortable before the day has even started. Signs of discomfort can include tingling, tightness, itching, stinging and even a burning feeling. Delivering intensive relief and hydration to sensitive, reactive skin. Tested on even the most allergy-prone skin, the TOLERIANE range contains a high tolerance formula with a minimal number of ingredients for optimal efficacy on sensitive skin. Now La Roche–Posay goes one step further with the new Toleriane Ultra Overnight – clinically proven to significantly reduce skin sensitivity, whilst providing intense soothing care to relieve and hydrate uncomfortable, reactive skin night after night. Hyper-sensitive skin needs extra help at night. Compared to ‘normal’ skin, sensitive skin is more easily irritated by external aggressors like allergens, toxins and histamines, and it is less able to defend itself against them.

KEY INGREDIENTS

CARNOSINE + VITAMIN E = DETOXIFIES AND LIMITS TOXIN ACCUMULATION

Naturally produced by the body, Carnosine is an amino acid and hydrophilic antioxidant. Present in the body’s cells, Vitamin E is an antioxidant active ingredient known to fight free radicals. Together, they are the best performing and most complete antioxidant duo to inhibit oxidation induced by daily aggressors and help detoxify skin cells to reduce the skin’s reactivity and relieve signs of irritation.

NEUROSENSINE = BREAKS THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF INFLAMMATION

The ultra-soothing action of Neurosensine inhibits the micro-inflammatory process responsible for skin hypersensitivity to ensure long-lasting comfort. With its peptide molecular structure, Neurosensine is able to stimulate the release of messengers within skin that work against inflammatory messengers, such as histamine. The lightweight formula is reinforced with the naturally soothing properties of La Roche Posay’s Thermal Spring Water.

KEY BENEFITS

• Clinically proven to reduce inflammatory redness, itching, tightness and stinging sensations

• Instant hydration that works overnight to leave skin feeling soft, comfortable and rested for an even, smooth complexion

• Helps the skin build stronger barrier properties to defend itself against irritation, reactivity and sensitivity

• Skin is freed from discomfort and looks rested, soothed and ready to face the day ahead

CLINICAL TEST RESULTS

Tested on even the most intolerant, allergy-prone skin, La Roche–Posay Toleriane Ultra Overnight has proven clinical efficacy to reduce skin sensitivity, night after night. After one month of use, those tested reported:

• 76% reduction in tightness

• 69% reduction in itching

• 57% in stinging

THE TEST RESULTS ALSO DEMONSTRATED ITS EFFICACY ON THE LOOK AND FEEL OF THE SKIN:

• 96% skin felt softer

• 95% skin felt soothed, more supple and smoother

• 89% skin looked renewed

TOLERIANE ULTRA OVERNIGHT USAGE

Designed for night-time use, the non-oily, fresh water gel texture melts into the skin for instant absorption. Both light and enveloping, Toleriane Ultra Overnight cocoons the skin without leaving a sticky residue, for a soft and soothing on-skin feel. Apply to the face and neck every night. For optimal results, use with the Toleriane Ultra range for a comprehensive regime tailored to transform sensitive, reactive skin.

Chichester’s summer musical is a top dollar delight

Posted on July 28, 2016 by Vicky Edwards

Half a Sixpence
Chichester Festival Theatre
Until 3 September. www.cft.org.uk 01243 781312

Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

Taking David Heneker’s original musical and giving it an almighty kick up the behind, the result is a slick, stylish and fabulously feel-good show.

Set in Edwardian England and based on a story by H.G. Wells, Arthur Kipps is a young lad with dreams beyond selling curtain fabric to the well-to-do. Bidding farewell to childhood sweetheart Ann (Devon-Elise Johnson) to take up an apprenticeship as a draper in Folkston, Kipps splits a sixpence in half so they will each have a memento of the other. Alas, our hero has his head turned by the genteel Helen Walsingham (Emma Williams) and, following a stroke of good fortune that transforms him into a man of means, he promptly proposes to her. But getting to grips with etiquette is a minefield that he struggles to navigate and makes him wonder if becoming a gentleman is all it’s cracked up to be.

Chichester’s sixpence is definitely all the richer for having been overhauled. Thanks to Julian Fellowes new book and George Stiles and Anthony Drew’s additional songs, and their arrangements of the original score, the simple story is now fluidly told to sparkling effect.

Under the direction of Rachel Kavanaugh a superb and energetic cast give their all, with no shortage of oomph, flash, bang and wallop. But it is to newcomer Charlie Stemp as Kipps that the big applause belongs. The full triple threat, with buckets of charm and a beaming grin that warms right up to the back row and beyond, this young man is surely destined for a career that is going to give him plenty to keep smiling about.

A co-production between Chichester Festival Theatre and Cameron Mackintosh Productions, there’s simply not a duff element. A musical gem that shines as brightly as a newly minted coin, the title may be low budget but Chichester’s big summer musical is a top dollar delight.

Lékué Omelette Maker & Lékué Steam Case Review: Quick & Delicious Food

Posted on July 28, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

Anything that makes family life easier has Frost onside. Mealtimes can be particularly exhausting, so we were excited to review two new products from Lékué. An omelette maker and a steam case. Do these kitchen solutions make quick, easy and healthy meals? Read on and find out.

First we tried the Omelette Maker. There are two ways of doing things. One is to add the omelette mix into the case for a plain omelette, the other is to add other ingredients first (and cook them for a few minutes), and then add the mix (eggs, milk and salt). You then pop it in the microwave. If you add lots of ingredients, only add two eggs. Otherwise it might spill over. You can make a delicious plain omelette in two minutes. Importantly, the omelette maker is BPA free. It has a ten-year guarantee and is 100% platinum silicone, just like the steam case. Both also come with handy booklets with lots of tasty recipes and are dishwasher safe (very important!). We were a huge fan of the omelette maker. Quick, easy and delicious. Just like they promised.

The Steam Case is also a handy and innovative kitchen gadget. You just add the ingredients and then microwave for two minutes. The standard size does 1-2 people, the family size does 4-5. The Steam Case allows you to steam your food in the oven as well as the microwave. The food is cooked in its own juices and retains the nutrients. Quick, easy and delicious, just like the omelette maker. We liked both of these gadgets, and they were easy to clean in the dishwasher. Recommended.

The Power Breakfast

The 4 minute spinach and mushroom omelette

Pop this in microwave, check your emails and come back to a light a fluffy omelette full of fibre and protein to keep you full until lunch

Ingredients

50 g of spinach (¼ cup)

50 g of mushrooms (¼ cup)

30 g of onion (2 tbsp)

1 tablespoon of water

1 tablespoon of olive oil

Salt

2 tablespoons of milk

2 eggs

Lékué Omelette Maker RRP £10.99

Slice the mushrooms, chop the onion and place it all inside the Omelettemaker along with the spinach, oil, water and salt.
Close the lid and cook in the microwave for 2 minutes at 800 W.
In a bowl, beat the eggs along with the milk and a pinch of salt.
Pour into the Omelettemaker and mix with the rest of ingredients.
Cook for 2 minutes in the microwave at 800 W.
Turn the Omeletteover and cook for another 30 seconds.

Lunch – al desk-o

10 minutes fish with summer lemon vegetables

Taste the Mediterranean without leaving your swivel chair on your lunch break

Ingredients

1 fillet white fish (approx. 150 g)

1/2 cup frozen peas

½ courgette

1 tablespoon butter

½ lemon

Salt

Pepper
Lékué Steam Case

Cut the fish into strips, add salt and pepper, place in the mini steam case.
Add the peas, the courgette washed and cut into cubes, sprinkle with lemon and add butter in chunks. Close the mini steam case.
Cook in the microwave oven on high at 650-800W for 2 minutes.
Stir a little and serve.

Both available online at Lekue.com, Selfridges.com and Ocado.com

In Search of the Past – A visit to the Somme Part 1 by Penny Gerrard

Posted on July 27, 2016 by Margaret Graham

Frost Magazine is conscious that this year, 2016, marks the centenary of the The Battle of the Somme, which lasted from July 1st to November 18 1916, with huge loss of life. We are enormously moved and delighted that writer, Penny Gerrard, has written a series of features for us centred around this event, which we will publish over the following weeks.

In Search of the Past – A visit to the Somme Part 1 by Penny Gerrard

In May of 2014 the germ of an idea was born. Two couples met on holiday and hit it off. The two chaps’ conversation turned to military history and an ambition was shared: to visit the battlefields of the Somme to track down the sites where their family members had fought and, in some cases, died.

“The Hodsons and the Gerrards meet in May 2014”

It was clear that 2016 was going to be an important year – 100 years since this beautiful area of France was torn apart by the First World War. Boys and men on both sides battled in awful conditions and came home physically and mentally scarred, or failed to return at all, often with not even a grave to mark their passing.

It wasn’t long before research was under way. My husband, Francis Gerrard, was looking to visit the grave of his uncle, Gilbert Sexton, a private in the Buckinghamshire Battalion of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and wanted to establish just how he died. Was he gassed as had been handed down through the family for the past century?

Richard Hodson‘s ancestors were a very different kettle of fish with three of four being career soldiers to be tracked down – their ranks ranging from 2^nd Lieutenant, via Lieutenant, to Captain and, most senior of all, Lieutenant Colonel. Could he find out enough to enable us to visit the key battle locations as well as one grave and one memorial to those whose bodies were never found?

“Rendevouz at The Eurostar Terminal at St Pancras”

May 2016 saw both couples, Richard and Judy (no not them) and Penny and Francis, joining forces at St Pancras Station for what was to be our first trip on Eurostar. The train glided sedately through the Kent countryside, then dipped down into the tunnel under the channel before getting its second wind and revving up to full speed for the short dash onwards to Lille – our base for the next few days.

“Our hotel – The Bellevue in Lille”

Richard – a former serviceman himself – had planned our campaign with military precision and our first task was to requisition a vehicle – no easy matter as four of us tried to extract the most favourable terms for the car hire with three of us speaking English (loudly) while I spoke French (hesitantly). Setting off wasn’t without its problems either since the driver’s seat proved resistant to the necessary adjustments to accommodate Richard and his six foot something frame. Things were not helped by the Satnav stubbornly refusing to speak in anything but French despite the aid of a passing and somewhat astonished workman who was pressganged into assisting with both seat and Satnav. Richard was finally comfortable and I began putting my college simultaneous translation training into practice as I interpreted the Satnav from the back seat. We were excited to set off on our first day of exploration.

It’s Time for Tea

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Kesh

Tea is magic elixir we have sworn by since the beginning of time. Who knew that boiling various leaves could create such a groundbreaking staple of society. It is a drink which is enjoyed in many different forms globally and there is no denying tea has a very special place in the heart of British Culture. Brit’s on average drink enough tea to fill two bathtubs each year and as a nation of Tea-Lover’s, Frost were interested to see how tea is enjoyed today. We wanted to create a special feature which steered away from the traditional, and focused on the unique and innovative uses of tea, so we’ve handpicked a selection of treasures which pay homage to the humble cuppa.

A Unique Tea and Kombucha Paired Tasting Menu at The Frog E1

Overseen by inventive young chef Adam Handling, his team have once again put their creative nature to the test and this time they have paired up with Newby Teas to create a tasting menu paired with tea and kombucha. Kombucha, is a slightly fermented tea which has been hailed as the latest ‘super-drink’ believed to aid digestion and general wellbeing. With that in mind, Adam and his development Chef decided to create a menu paired with a selection of teas and kombucha which left you feeling good. Expect dishes such as Adam’s intricate Crab and Apple served alongside a fragrant jasmine kombucha, a flowering tea served with Hake and Limestone and an Assam Tea consommé to accompany Roast Lamb and Black Garlic. Expect attention to detail, quality and a menu designed to make you feel good from the inside out.

The Kombucha and Tea Paired Tasting Menu will be available until July 30th at The Frog E1. Lunch and dinner inclusive and is priced at £45pp

http://www.thefrogrestaurant.com

Bluebird Tea Co.

A couple of months ago we had the pleasure of attending a workshop with the UK based expert Tea Mixologists. Indeed, blending tea is a complete art form and a science mastered by very few and the innovation and creativity can certainly be seen at Bluebird Tea Co. They really love their tea and wanted to create something for tea lovers alike. Bluebird has the largest range of creative tea blends in the UK and create them from pretty much anything. They in turn allow you to enjoy their blends or in fact create your very own with their mixology expertise. They now have shops in Brighton and Tunbridge Wells and also pop-up in various festivals, events and run a thriving Notonthehighstreet.com franchise. Their website features a host of tea-related paraphernalia as well as tea itself and enables you to learn about their various workshops taking place around the country, at festivals and in their stores. They were kind enough to allow us to publish one of their tantalising drink recipes with a touch of tea for you to try at home.

Sangria Punch Bowl

Makes: 1 Sangria Punch Bowl, Serves: 12

What you will need:

1 sample pouch (20g) Sangria Tea concentrate
1 1/3 bottles of red wine
10 cinnamon sticks
Honey – we use our locally sourced Brighton RAW Honey
1.5l of hot water
Fruit for decoration – 1 lemon & 1 orange
1 punch bowl
What to do:

1. Start by brewing 20g of Sangria Tea (our sample pouches are perfect sizes), in 1.5l with hot water or alternatively, you can cold brew the sangria for a few hours in your punch bowl.

2. Whilst the tea is still warm, add your cinnamon sticks and leave to cool. If you’re cold brewing add the cinnamon sticks at the beginning of the process.

3. Once your Sangria tea is cool, strain your tea and then add the red wine to the bowl and mix.

4. Taste the Sangria and if desired add honey to sweeten, we normally add 4 teaspoons and then stir until the honey has dissolved.

5. Once you have found your perfect tasting Sangria, it is now time to get decorative. Cut up your orange and lemons and add to the punch. Now it’s time to enjoy your Sangria punch!

http://bluebirdteaco.com/uk_en/

T.E.A Tea Enriched Alcohol

Because no tea feature would be complete without Tea Enriched Alcohol. Handcrafted in the UK, this multi-award winning brand distill Vodka and Gin using the best tea leaves to create T.E.A – Tea Enriched Alcohol. Made with the finest tea and botanicals sourced from around the globe, T.E.A produces premium, 100% natural, gluten free Earl Grey Gin, Jasmine Gin, Earl Grey Vodka and Jasmine Vodka. T.E.A recommend you try the The Earl Grey Gin with an orange twist, while lemon zest suits the Jasmine infused spirits. The spirits are distilled just once and remove the ‘heads and tails’ of the batch ensuring you are enjoying the smoothest part of the spirit. You can find T.E.A exclusively at Fortnum and Masons and served in Soho’s Urban Tea Rooms – which is owned by the founders of T.E.A. So we think you should take quintessentially British to the next level this summer by combining Gin and Tea. Chin Chin.

T.E.A is available directly from here and from selected stockists

Summer Rosé Wine Review Special

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

There are few better pleasures in life than a glass of rosé on a summers day. Here are some picks from us. We have been hard at work testing three different bottles of rosé. Don’t say we don’t love you.
Jean-Luc Colombo Pins Couches Rosé 2015

This is one of the best rosés on the market. Subtle and refreshing, this wine is clear and light. This gorgeous, abundant wine transports you to the Italian sunshine. A huge winner. .

Available from: BargainBooze.com, Vino Wines, Wino’s, Harrods.com, Ellie’s Cellar, Partridges of Sloane Street, Les Caves du Patron, Kingsgate Wines

RRP: £11.10

A light, refreshing and dry Rosé with abundant yet subtle red fruit characters. On the palate, notes of fresh fruits and herbs evoke the terroir of the Mediterranean coast, transporting you to sunny climates all summer long.

Joseph Mellot Sancerre Le Rabault Rosé 2014

Perfect for picnics and barbecues. Delicate and floral. A not-too-sweet wine that is both delicate and fruity. It is a beautiful salmon colour and has a fruity freshness.

Available from: Aitken Wines, Fountainhall Wines, The Whalley Wine Shop, The Leamington Wine Company, Eagle Wines

RRP: £18.80

With a delicate floral nose and fresh raspberries on the palate this wine is the perfect partner to any summer BBQ.

Villa Maria Private Bin Rosé 2015

Refreshing and dry, the ripe berry fruit makes this wine another perfect summer addition. It’s sweetness makes it a perfect apéritif.

Available from: Tesco.com, Majestic.co.uk, Temple Wines, Beers Wines & Spirits, Village Wines, Hailsham Cellars

RRP: £10.30

This New Zeland Rosé has bright floral aromas with flavours of strawberry, red fruits and spice and a delicious smooth finish which will go down perfectly at all summer soirées.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge watch on as Land Rover BAR Rule The Waves In Portsmouth

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Frostie

Land Rover BAR Rule the Waves in Portsmouth

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge watch on as Sir Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup team take the series overall lead on previous leaders Emirates Team New Zealand and current Defenders Oracle Team USA

Britain’s chances of winning the America’s Cup for the first time were given a significant boost at the weekend after Sir Ben Ainslie’s team sealed an emphatic victory on their home water of Portsmouth.

Land Rover BAR started the weekend tied in second place with current America’s Cup defenders Oracle Team USA. Two days of action packed racing on the Solent saw Land Rover BAR do the Portsmouth double and emerge as overall winners for a second time following their victory in July 2015. The result leaves their American rivals in third and take the lead on current leaders Emirates Team New Zealand to 367 points with two races to go.

Among the hundreds of thousands of supporters that turned out to cheer the British team on were The Duchess of Cambridge – Royal Patron to the team’s official charity, the 1851 Trust, accompanied by The Duke of Cambridge. Their Royal Highnesses watched the action from the water as Land Rover BAR thrilled the home crowds on the final day of racing.

The British summer finally arrived creating a perfect setting for both the Land Rover BAR sailors and spectators as the team raced their way into 1st place in an action packed weekend of sailing.

Ben Ainslie, Skipper and Team Principal: “It’s brilliant for us as the home team to win again in front of our home crowd, all our supporters. It means a huge amount to us, we’re delighted and I think that for a new team to be leading the World Series now is a good indication of how far we’ve come, but there’s still a long way to go, a lot of hard work between now and the America’s Cup.

“It was a real team work day, these boats are really hard to handle on such a short course. The guys did an incredible job with the boat handling and that’s what really got us out of some of those tough situations.

“Full credit to the team and everyone back at the Camber at the base, we’ve got a hundred odd people there, designing and building boats and components for the Cup next year, and I think it’s a big moment for them as well to know that we can go out and win these events.”

Two days earlier Admiral of the Royal Yacht Squadron HRH The Duke of Edinburgh also visited the base to spend time with members of Land Rover BAR’s technical and engineering teams.

Portsmouth America’s Cup World Series weekend results:

Land Rover BAR – 82
Oracle Team USA – 81
Softbank Team Japan – 69
Emirates Team New Zealand – 62
Groupama Team France – 58
Artemis Racing – 53
Overall leader board results:
Land Rover BAR – 367
Oracle Team USA – 366
Emirates Team New Zealand 357
Softbank Team Japan – 328
Artemis Racing – 315
Groupama Team France – 292

Exclusive Because of You by Helene Fermont Book Extract

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

We have an exclusive extract of Because of You by Helene Fermont. We will review the book soon, but meanwhile this should whet your appetite.

Arriving at the Primrose Hill venue at 8:00pm on the last Saturday in September, Hannah arranged with the cab driver to pick her up at midnight. Wearing a blue sequinned dress accentuating her gure and small waist, she stepped out of the car, carrying a bouquet of owers and Belgian tru es. As she entered the foyer of the large premises to be surrounded by stran- gers, she heard someone call her name.

“You must be Hannah, Mel’s friend?”

Turning to see who it was, she found herself gazing into the friendliest pair of blue eyes.

“My name’s Matthew Jacobs – Mel’s ancé and associate – I’m pleased we nally get to meet.” With his tall, athletic build, short brown hair and big smile, it was easy to understand why Melanie had fallen in love with him.

“Mel’s instructed I take extra good care of you! She’s busy with all the guests.” Taking her arm, he proceeded to introduce her to groups of people, all curious to know what it was like to live in Sweden. A passing waiter o ering sparkling champagne. Dis- creetly watching her take a sip, Matthew agreed with his ancée. She was completely oblivious of her own beauty and of everyone staring at her, the red hair reminiscent of a rich burgundy wine. Engaging in small talk, Hannah asked if he minded Melanie having a career.
“Not at all. I want her to be happy, she’s the woman I love.”

Just then, they were interrupted.

“Hannah! Just look at you. That dress is simply divine.”

Embracing one another, Melanie exclaimed, “I’m so happy you’re here!”

“Your ancé’s been very nice to me. Congratulations on turn- ing twenty- ve and getting engaged!” Hannah handed her the owers and chocolates.

“How wonderfully decadent! Sweets aren’t good for the gure . . . What the heck, it’s not every day one gets the opportunity to celebrate!”

“You’ve nothing to worry about – I’ve never seen you as gor- geous as you look tonight.” Radiant in a red gown, with matching lips and nails, Melanie wore her hair in a sleek pageboy cut, emphasising her dark blue eyes. Steering Hannah towards the back, she put an arm around her.

“What do you think?”

“Wow! I never saw anything like it!” Hannah gasped at the sight of pink tablecloths on the bu et, candles and roses.

“There’s someone I want you to meet . . .” Walking arm in arm in the direction of a small group of people talking amongst themselves, Melanie made a formal introduction. “This is the girl I’ve been telling you about. Hannah Stein – Benjamin Isaacs. Ben’s my oldest friend, Hannah’s over on a gap year, staying with an adorable lady in Golders Green.”

His eyes glued on the pretty woman in front of him, Ben replied, “Mel’s been singing your praises, Miss Stein. Now I know the reason.”

Eyes locking, both felt an instant chemistry, quite unlike any- thing they’d experienced before. Tall, dark and handsome, Ben bore an uncanny resemblance to Sean Connery, each muscular with dimples in their cheeks. What attracted her most was his impeccable accent, deep voice and big brown eyes, seemingly looking behind the exterior into her soul.

From a distance Hannah heard Melanie say, “I’ll leave you to it, you’re bound to have plenty to talk about. . .”

“I’m honoured to sit next to you, Miss Stein.” Flattered that he’d pulled out a chair for her to sit, Hannah felt his eyes on her. Overwhelmed by her presence, beauty and charm, Ben was acutely conscious of the fact he’d never met anyone like her; the ery red hair, delicate features and emerald green eyes.

Dinner consisted of melon with port, rack of lamb and sorbet with almond biscuits; everything tasting delicious. Ben enter- tained Hannah with stories of the time he and Melanie were enrolled at nursery, while Hannah told him about her country, silently comparing his interest in everything she told him to Mark, who rarely listened to anything she had to say.

After dinner there were birthday speeches, including one from Ben, who told everyone how fortunate he was to have such a caring, loyal friend in Melanie.

“She’s a lousy loser, though. I lost track of all the times I let her beat me at a game,” he teased, raising his glass in a toast to her and Matthew, before returning to his seat.

Touched by his words, Melanie blew him a kiss across the table. They’d celebrated her and Matthew’s engagement at her parents’ house the previous weekend. At twenty-seven, Ben was the brother she had never had.

Turning his attention to Hannah, Ben asked, “Are you plan- ning on leaving in the near future?”

“Not until after Christmas. Then I’m enrolling at university.” Relieved she’d be staying a while longer, Ben enquired about her career subjects. “I always wanted to teach.”

“Good for you!”

It felt wonderful opening up to him about her future plans. Un-like Mark, Ben seemed genuinely interested and non-judge- mental.

“I miss home and my family – it’ll be great to go back.”

“I bet they can’t wait to see you. Mine missed me a lot when I travelled to France and America. Tell me to mind my own busi- ness but I have to ask, how old are you?”

“I just turned nineteen.”

“I gathered as much. You’re extremely mature for your age.” Blushing, Hannah asked what he did for a living. “I’m a solicitor, working at my father’s law rm – hoping to start my own one day.” He proceeded to tell her about his younger sister and brother, who were both still at college. “Mum’s preoccupied with her secretarial temping agency. She and Dad are the perfect couple.”

“What a strange coincidence both our fathers are solicitors,” said Hannah. “My mother’s a housewife and extremely proud of it. She speaks several languages. My younger brother, Peter, and I are very close. My maternal grandmother moved to London when she was in her seventies.” It struck her how e ortlessly they communicated with one another, again, totally unlike Mark who wasn’t interested in anyone but himself.

Listening to her, Ben felt much the same, thinking she was special in every way. “I own a at not far from here,” he said. “It’s a typical bachelor’s pad. I only use it to sleep in.” He deliberately wanted her to know he was single, praying she was as well.

Time passed quickly, and while they were engaged in conversa- tion, the other guests drifted into an adjacent room, to drink tea and dance.

“Would you care to join me for a dance, Hannah?” Ben asked shyly, as John Paul Young’s ‘Love Is In The Air’ began to play. She was on the verge of accepting when Melanie approached them.

“Please forgive me for being such a lousy hostess – I’m like a headless chicken,” she told them, looking ustered. “Tonight’s great!” She went up to Hannah, kissing her cheeks. “May I borrow her for a couple of minutes? I promise to bring her back to you.” Sensing Ben’s disappointment, Hannah followed her into a corner of the room.

“Ben’s completely smitten with you,” Melanie enthused. “I never saw him this happy. You’re a striking couple. Didn’t I tell you you’d be perfect for each other?” She was so excited; she couldn’t stand still.

“Before you continue, there’s something you should know. I’m in a relationship . . . I’m sorry I never let on.” Hannah felt awful she had kept it from her.

“But I was under the impression . . . my mistake. I’m really gutted.”

“It’s early days but we’re committed to each other,” Hannah whispered.

“Is it someone I know?” Mel looked as if she was about to burst into tears.

“I don’t think so. His name’s Mark, we only just met.”
“Are you sleeping with him?”
Blushing at her friend’s blunt question, Hannah bowed her head in response.
“I see. What a pity. Men like Ben don’t come along often. If I were you, I’d not rule anything out just yet. I sure hope that guy appreciates you. . .”

“How about that dance you promised me earlier?” Standing behind her, Ben refused to take no for an answer.

“She’s all yours – talk to you later!” Melanie told him, leaving. “Are you alright?” Ben’s eyes probed Hannah’s.
At that moment Hannah wished things weren’t so complicated.

“I’m alright . . . I’d love to dance with you.” Taking her hand in his, Ben led her to the dance oor, Burt Bacharach’s ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head’ echoing in the room.

Keeping a respectful distance between them, Ben commented, “That song goes straight to my heart.” What he meant to say was that she had already captured his. Feeling him so close to her, breathing in the masculine scent of his aftershave, Hannah felt a sense of belonging.

Twenty minutes later she looked at her watch, exclaiming, “I’m sorry but I have to leave, a cab’s awaiting me outside.” Ben was visibly disappointed.

“Can’t you call and cancel it? I’d be pleased to bring you home.”

“That’s impossible, seeing as it’s booked. . .”

“Tonight’s special. Will you let me take you out to dinner?” He’d been telling himself she was a lot younger and the last thing he wanted was to scare her o , but he just couldn’t help himself.

Not sure how to respond, Hannah started to panic. “Listen, I really enjoyed spending time with you Ben, but I’m leaving soon – take good care of yourself – you’re the perfect gentleman.”

“Please wait!” His eyes pleaded with her to stay. “Are you tell- ing me you don’t wish to see me again? The least you can do is explain.” He looked every bit as upset as she was feeling.

“It’s nothing to do with you – I’m seeing someone.”

Ben’s face dropped, the same devastation in his eyes as in Mela- nie’s. “I see . . . That explains everything.”

“I’m sorry I gave you the wrong impression.”

“Me too.” His voice faltered. “I guess it wasn’t meant to be. I hope whoever it is realises how lucky he is. Thanks for being straight with me.”

Their eyes locked for a split second and Hannah knew without a shadow of a doubt the only thing coming between them was that they’d met at the wrong time.

“You’re de nitely an item?” he asked, eyes sad.
“We are – yes.”
Taking a deep breath, Ben replied, “I wish you every happi-

ness. You’re an outstanding young lady, inside and out.” He gave her a card with his number, adding, “I’d love to keep in touch. . .” Listening to him made Hannah feel less upset; the idea of not seeing him again, too di cult to comprehend. “I’ll keep it in mind but you mustn’t expect it . . .”
As he bent to kiss her cheek, both felt the same chemistry as when they’d rst laid eyes on each other. She was on the verge of changing her mind and agreeing to meet up with him, when Mark’s face appeared in her head.

“Goodbye, Ben. I’ll see myself out.”

Waving at Melanie, who was busy talking to a guest, Hannah walked out of the venue and towards the cab waiting for her out- side. Exchanging a few polite words, Hannah’s thoughts turned to Ben. He’d made such a lasting impression. She could only ask herself if it was possible to be in love with one man yet feel attracted to another.

Watching the last guests leave, Melanie and Ben retired to the back of the foyer. Looking into his eyes, she whispered, “I’m so sorry things didn’t turn out the way you’d hoped.”

“That makes two of us. I’m in love with a woman I just met and lost.”

“Listen to ‘Auntie Mel’: I’ve a feeling you’ve not seen the last of her. If I were you, I’d not give up just yet.”

“You’re seriously thinking I stand a chance?” There was a glimmer of hope in Ben’s eyes.

“I do. Trust me on this one, okay?”

That night Ben vowed to not give up on the woman he loved. Mel’s intuition had never failed her before. Despite wishing Hannah and that guy she was involved with every happiness, Ben couldn’t stand the thought of her belonging to anyone but him.

Because Of You by Hélene Fermont (Fridhem Publishing) is released on August 15, priced £9.99 in paperback and £3.99 as an eBook. Visit www.HeleneFermont.com

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