‘The best,’ Rachel said, releasing Harry’s hand so he could go to the toy box in the corner of the shop. ‘Well, nearly the best, anyway,’ she added, looking fondly after Harry as he began to open the box and search for his favourite toys.

‘Who knows?’ Holly replied. ‘Maybe Charlie’s question will push things on a bit more.’

‘I hope so,’ Rachel replied. ‘But there’s been so much stalling along the way, I don’t think I can get my hopes up too high.’

‘Why don’t you go down and watch?’ Holly said suddenly. ‘I’m sure Mum and Dad would have Harry for the day.’

‘I could,’ Rachel said. ‘He’s nearly over his cold now, and if we don’t go too nuts at Willowfest this weekend, he should be fully recovered by Wednesday.’

‘I could ask Isabella and Chelsea if one of them’s free to mind the shop if you want me to come down with you,’ Holly said, eyes lighting up at the prospect of a jaunt to London.

‘That sounds like a great idea,’ Rachel said. ‘Unless…’

Holly spotted the mischievous twinkle in her sister’s eye. ‘Unless what?’

‘Well, won’t I be cramping your style by tagging along? What if your new boyfriend, high on his success at PMQs, wants to take you out to dinner and then ravish you?’ She raised her eyebrows suggestively.

‘Then I shall tell him to keep his mind on the job, and that I’m here with my sister and he has to keep his hands to himself,’ Holly said, affecting a prim expression. ‘Besides, I can’t leave this place for too long, so I should really get back the same day.’

‘Oh, I’m sure one of the girls would be more than happy to open up the next day, too,’ Rachel said. ‘Isabella loves this place and is desperate to do more hours when she’s back home from uni.’

‘I know,’ Holly said. ‘It’s lucky my profit margins are up this financial year. If I keep playing hooky, I’ll need all the money for staffing I can get.’

‘No thanks to Miles bloody Fairbrother,’ Rachel said darkly. ‘I heard him slagging you off again in the coffee shop the other day. He just can’t let it go that you got the building and he didn’t, can he?’

Holly tossed her head impatiently. ‘He can talk all he wants; he’s not getting rid of me that easily. Willowbury’s an oasis of spirituality and belief – I fit better here than his bloody bakery does!’

‘Just be wary of him,’ Rachel warned. ‘After your run-in at the Swanley Hotel, he seems determined to discredit you and this place as much as he can. And you know what big mates he was with Hugo Fitzgerald. He’s probably even more pissed off that you’ve got Charlie’s ear and he hasn’t.’