John nodded, approving of this part of the plan, at least. ‘She’s been very interested in the garden ever since we planted the cherry tree together. I will discuss your idea with Finlay.’ He put his bookmark in between the pages. ‘I do have one suggestion, though. I saw in the newspaper a few days ago that The Great Lafayette is coming to perform in Edinburgh. They say he’s a personal friend of Mr Houdini.’

Ursula finished smoothing in the cream and studied her reflection again to make sure she hadn’t missed anywhere.

John continued. ‘I’ve heard her talking about it with Finlay. She is quite obsessed with the idea of lions and horses on the stage and is fascinated by all the illusions.’

Ursula turned to face him. ‘This is an excellent idea. If you want her to learn things, what better way than to be actually in the theatre where it is happening, and watch it all unfold? Are the tickets on sale yet?’

‘I’m not sure. I wonder if you two ladies might like to go? Finlay puts up with all her chatter about it but I can see that he thinks it is rather beneath him.’

‘I could go with her, and it certainly would be fun. But maybe she would prefer to go with you?’

‘With me? Why?’

Ursula spoke as one might to a small child. ‘Because you will be able to explain it all and reveal the mysteries.’

John laughed. ‘I don’t know if I’m up to that particular challenge. I’m quite sure his secrets are extremely well hidden.’

‘Nonetheless, I think it would be rather splendid for the two of you to go. You are away so much with the business, and I see her every day. It would be a special experience she can share with you, and you alone. We all need that sort of thing with our parents.’

‘I don’t think her mother would have agreed with you; she couldn’t wait to pack Ann off to be a weekly boarder when she was seven years old.’

Ursula shuddered. ‘I’m very glad she’s at home with us now. I cannot imagine doing such a thing.’

‘What Louise wanted, Louise got. She was a force of nature, until she became unwell.’

Ursula, who disliked Louise more with every passing day, added this to the pile of grudges upon which she would never be able to act. ‘I will go, but only if you really don’t want to. I do think the two of you should have the excitement.’

‘Very well, though it will depend on the dates, of course. The performance will be at the Empire Palace Theatre. Perhaps you could see if the tickets are on sale next time you are in town. In fact, since it’s a special occasion, you might try for a box?’