‘Oh, that’s a shame,’ said Jago, taking something out of the oven. ‘I was hoping there were other rooms in this house that you like.’

She smiled at him, hoping she didn’t look quite as soppy as she felt. ‘I like lots of rooms.’

‘Just as well. Now you sit there. I’m about to feed you and give you wine.’

‘Amy and I drank a bit too much last night,’ said Helena, taking the large glass he offered her. She took a sip. ‘But it wasn’t anything like as nice as this.’

‘This is a special bottle – to celebrate your return.’

‘Jago! I was only away two nights.’

‘I know. But I missed you. Now, how hungry are you?’

‘Very.’

As they ate they discussed the show. ‘So it was a success? Worth all the work?’ said Jago, dipping bread into the gravy of the chicken tagine.

‘Absolutely. Loads of old friends came to see us and enough new ones to make doing a few more workshops definitely worthwhile.’

‘How did the wall hangings go down?’

‘Brilliantly! Everyone loved them! And lots of people want workshops to learn how to make them. Which will work well as they are comparatively quick.’ She put down her fork. ‘They didn’t actually sell, of course, but hey!’

Jago laughed. ‘Tell me when you’ve nearly finished – I have a surprise for you.’

‘A nice one?’

‘I think so.’

‘Well, I don’t think I can eat much more. I’m too tired.’

‘Pudding? Sticky toffee? Bought the best brand.’

‘Not now and I was brought up to believe that sugar at bedtime made me hyperactive.’

Jago laughed again. ‘Maybe I should force-feed you some …’

‘I’m sure that’s not required,’ said Helena primly, looking up at him, no longer caring if he could tell exactly how much in love with him she was.

He went over to the kitchen timer. ‘I’ve set it for ten minutes. When it rings you’re to come upstairs. Tell me when you’re on the landing.’

‘Supposing I fall asleep while I’m waiting?’

‘The timer will wake you and if it doesn’t I’ll come down and pour cold water on you! There’s a crossword there I haven’t been able to finish. Do that to keep yourself awake.’

Helena felt she might have nodded off for a few moments but as Jago had predicted, the timer woke her. She got up to turn it off and then, as instructed, went up the stairs.

‘I’m here!’

Jago appeared. ‘Now shut your eyes, I’m going to guide you.’

He put his hands on her shoulders. ‘Now, about three paces forward – now to the left …’

She went where she was directed and was suddenly hit by warm, moist air smelling of lavender.

‘You can open your eyes now!’