‘The Thyme Bank’ is a poignant love story set inthe nineteen-eighties. Frances, a young artist, and Simon, an older universitylecturer, meet in bizarre circumstances and there is instant mutual attraction. Weeks later, due to Simon’s determination, they meet again and are soonmarried. Can their very different personalities and interests keep them united?Fran is a countryside lover while Simon is a townsman who sees Fran’s belovedExmoor as just a holiday retreat, not the place where they should live all thetime. Living apart for a few days each week causes problems, but the arrival ofa son strengthens their relationship until Simon’s needs become apparent toFran and, possibly, to others. Complicating their relationship further areSimon’s recuring health problems about which he is in strong denial. Althoughhe is highly regarded in his place at Exeter University, he decides to have afresh start and become a journalist, based in London. This is hard on Fran butshe hopes the more relaxing job will improve Simon’s health but, sadly, it hasno effect. What can be the cause of Simon’s health problems? Can it be thatevents of his past life are catching up?