Helena didn’t know if she’d be all right or not. She hadn’t minded living on her own in her little studio, but he was right, the house was a bit spooky, being big and half a building site. ‘I might ask Amy to come and stay if you wouldn’t mind?’

‘Of course not. She could have your old room. She’s fun, isn’t she? I think she and James will enjoy each other’s company even if they don’t get together forever.’

Helena sensed he’d rather talk about Amy and James than his own situation. ‘Could you tell if he liked Amy? And you know what I mean when I say “liked”!’

He chuckled. ‘I think he did. She’s sparky and fun and she’ll take his mind off his lost love.’

‘As long as his lost love doesn’t come between them.’

Jago was thoughtful. ‘I don’t think she will. She wasn’t all that great, to be honest. Although she thought she was and James did too. Amy is a far better bet, relationship-wise.’

Helena laughed. ‘Glad she’s been promoted from being “a jolly girl”.’

‘You took that all wrong!’

They argued about it cheerfully for the rest of the journey home.

In the morning he left, early, before Helena was properly awake.

She tried to go back to sleep but couldn’t and found tears slipping out of the corners of her eyes as she listened to the birds and saw the room get lighter.

In theory she had no reason to cry. Jago had been called away on business and had gone. It was no big deal. But somehow it felt like a big deal, as if something had changed – not necessarily between them but with him.

Chapter Twenty-eight

There was always plenty to do in the house and Helena’s building skills had come on a lot since living with Jago. She was best at pointing but she also tidied up a few half-finished sections of bricklaying. But when she could do no more and it was no longer silly o’clock, she went round to see her mother.

‘Hello, darling,’ said Gilly, without looking up from writing something. It looked like a list. ‘What’s wrong?’

‘Mum! How do you know anything’s wrong? I’ve just arrived.’

‘I’m your mother. Don’t query the process.’ Now Gilly did look up. ‘So?’

‘There’s nothing wrong! Well, not really.’ Helena pulled out a chair and sat at the kitchen table, putting her arms on it. ‘Jago’s gone away, that’s all. I’m going to miss him.’

‘Oh, sweetheart, I’m sorry. That’s horrible. How long is he away for?’

‘I don’t know.’

‘But you can keep in touch with him? FaceTime? See how he is?’

‘No. He said he’d be out of contact.’