Meanwhile in the dining room Holly was pouring the coffee and an awkward silence had settled between her and their guest.

‘Well, this is nice, isn’t it?’ Walter Dolby said eventually, running his finger around the collar of his shirt. He was clearly feeling almost as uncomfortable as Holly was. They both sipped at their coffee and the silence stretched between them. Normally Holly loved to chat to people but she didn’t want to give him false hope.

‘So …’ He smiled at her. ‘Are you looking forward to Christmas? It’s hard to believe that it’s only a few weeks away. Your grandfather has invited me and my children for Christmas dinner. We thought it would be nice for you to meet them and get to know them.’

Holly felt slightly faint but forced a smile. ‘I, er … I’m afraid I’m not very good with children,’ she stuttered. ‘I’ve never had much to do with any, you see?’

He didn’t seem put off by the statement whatsoever and grinned. ‘Oh, I’m sure you’ll get along fine. They’re all very well behaved. Marcus is the oldest at nineteen. He wants to help me run the businesses when he gets a little older – he’s the studious one of the bunch. Then there’s Florence who is thirteen and Katie who’s eight and rather spoiled, being the youngest.’

Holly gave another weak smile, feeling like a rabbit caught in a trap but worse was to come.

‘I should inform you that your grandfather has given me permission to ask you to marry me … but …’ he added hastily, seeing the fleeting look of panic that crossed her face, ‘I shan’t do that, of course, until you have got to know the children and myself a little better.’

‘As I said.’ Her voice came out as a croak. ‘I’m sure I would make a dreadful mother.’

‘Nonsense. They have a nanny and a tutor so there really wouldn’t be that much for you to do, my dear. I simply wanted to put your mind at rest and for you to know that my intentions are purely honourable. You are a very attractive young lady and who knows, sometime in the not too distant future we might even add to our brood. I’m sure that we’ll suit each other admirably.’ He then fumbled in his jacket pocket and produced a small velvet box which he opened to reveal a gleaming sapphire ring surrounded by a halo of diamonds.

‘This was my late wife’s engagement ring,’ he told her quietly. ‘And when you feel ready I hope you will do me the very great honour of accepting it as your engagement ring.’

‘Oh … no … no I couldn’t,’ Holly gasped, stifling the urge to run from the room.

Misunderstanding her he snapped the box shut and returned it to his pocket. ‘I quite understand. Perhaps you would prefer to choose one to your own taste. That won’t be a problem.’

‘No … you don’t understand, Mr Dolby,’ she gushed. She knew that she was going to be in terrible trouble with her grandfather but this awful situation couldn’t be endured a moment longer. ‘You see, the thing is … I don’t wish to get married, to you or anyone else. I’m sorry … you’re a very nice man and I sincerely hope you find a new mother for your children but I have to tell you quite categorically, it won’t be me.’