‘It is really horrible to have a present you’ve thought about, and in your case made, but I suppose if they didn’t fit in with her décor …’

‘I knew you’d stick up for her! And to be honest, if I didn’t need them I probably wouldn’t be so upset.’

‘Well, you’ve given me loads of lovely things over the years and I’ve still got them all, and most of them have escaped the moths. Although one or two blankets are …’ She paused, choosing her words. ‘Early work.’

‘Oh, that’s fine!’ said Helena. ‘Jago had a brilliant idea. I should cut up the “early” or moth-eaten work and weave wall hangings from them. They’d be quick to do. I told him I liked things to be functional but he said a wall hanging was functional if it was hiding something unsightly.’

‘I do like Jago,’ said Gilly. ‘He was so sweet to me yesterday – and asking to borrow a hot-water bottle! Adorable!’

‘He is really kind, and a great housemate. Although if my next show goes as well as this one did, I’ll be able to afford my own place.’

‘Aren’t you living together as a couple then? That’s lovely and old-fashioned of you.’

Helena looked discomforted. ‘Well, I want to pay my way. I don’t want to just latch on to Jago …’

There was definitely something odd going on. Gilly resolved to find out more.

‘Here’s your coffee,’ she said. ‘You must be so tired after the show.’

‘I am. Too tired to be creative really, so I’m taking the day off.’ Helena looked at her mother intently and Gilly realised she’d missed her moment. Helena was going to interrogate her and not the other way round. ‘Cressida said she was worried about you.’

‘Why? I promise there is absolutely nothing wrong with me. I’ve never felt fitter.’ She paused. ‘I think I may have lost a bit of weight – although of course I never weigh myself.’

‘You look great, Mum. I don’t think it was your physical health she was worried about.’

‘That’s even worse! Has she caught me talking to myself? Surely everyone does that.’

Helena began to giggle. ‘No, nothing like that! And yes, everyone does talk to themselves – or at least I do. No, she said – and honestly I don’t believe this but although she has her faults I don’t think Cressida lies – she said you’d talked about going gliding.’

Gilly joined in the giggling, hoping it would disguise her blush. ‘What is Cressida like?’