He shook his head. ‘Let’s keep it low-key. James will want to get a good look at you – he’s quite protective of his old mucker – and I think it would be better if we went to a nice wine bar that does food so we can stay on and eat if we want to, but all go home early if it’s a disaster.’

‘That sounds great. No cooking or tidying involved.’

He gave her a heart-stopping grin. ‘I think in American films in the fifties they called it “double-dating”.’

Helena giggled. ‘And me and Amy can go to the powder room to compare notes halfway through and say, “I don’t fancy yours much.”’

‘Perfect! I’ll ask James. But if he says yes, can I leave it to you to set up, find somewhere nice? I’ve got so much on.’

‘Of course! I’d like to do that.’

‘You are a wonderful woman. Do you know that?’ Then he gave her a toast-and-marmalade kiss and went to work.

A little later, Helena decided to go and see her mother. Gilly would want to hear about World of Wool anyway, and because she was Helena’s mother, she’d have to put up with hearing how wonderful Jago was. But she was going to call first and make sure it was convenient.

‘Mum? Only me. Can I come over?’

‘Of course you can, darling. But why are you asking first?’

‘You know why, Mum. I didn’t want to disturb you if you had a friend with you.’

‘I’m quite alone at the moment.’

It occurred to Helena that her mother sounded particularly upbeat and cheerful. Was it possible that she was in love too? Were she and her mother about to compare notes on their beloveds? The thought gave her mixed feelings. She was delighted, of course, but really, you didn’t want to think about your mother – any parent really – having a sex life. It was weird.

Helena had never thought she’d feel about anyone as she felt about Jago. She didn’t believe in that kind of love. But here she was, on cloud nine, mentally skipping about in the sky. For her mother to be in the same condition was just a bit mind-blowing.

Chapter Twenty-seven

Gilly put the kettle on when she’d disconnected from Helena. She felt the situation called for real coffee and freshly ground beans. Although it was still early days in her and William’s relationship she felt a bit guilty that they still hadn’t told Daphne or any of their friends about it. Helena knew, of course. And she should probably tell Martin although she felt certain that her son and Cressida would not be pleased.