‘It wasn’t long ago. Even I can remember that far back.’

He laughed. ‘Well, it wasn’t quite the party I’d have liked because Daphne had got an old address book and so missed out on people I would have loved to have there. So I thought if I gave another party – same venue probably; it was OK – you could invite your friends and family too and we could announce ourselves as a couple.’

‘Unusual,’ said Gilly.

‘Well, I’d prefer to be able to announce something a bit more conventional but I feel it’s too soon.’

Gilly felt she knew what he meant but wasn’t quite sure enough of herself to follow this up. ‘Well, to be honest, I’d much rather have it at my house. We could have a marquee in the garden. It would be lovely. And it would make sense of the whole thing if you’re going to move in with me.’

‘It would be an awful lot of work for you. Although of course we’d get a caterer.’

‘I’d like to do the puddings myself – the fun part of a party.’

He took her into his arms. ‘That would be amazing! How soon do we think we could do it?’

‘I don’t know …’

‘I’d like to do it as quickly as possible. Would a fortnight be too soon?’

‘Shall we see about the marquee and then decide?’ said Gilly. ‘I have a favourite firm I use.’

‘Excellent. Franco would do the catering if we asked him.’ He paused. ‘He’s been wondering out loud why I’m single for long enough.’

‘Maybe we should go back and tell him we’re “coupled up”.’

William kissed her again. ‘One of the reasons I love you – you’re so “down wid da kids”.’

Gilly found this thought so hilarious she had to have a drink of water to calm herself down.

Gilly was very happy when William dropped her off, particularly as he had promised to be back for supper. She walked around the house thinking about what furniture she could get rid of so William could have enough things to make the house seem partly his. He’d need space for his desk. Would under the window in the sitting room do or would he actually like a proper study? In which case the room Gilly currently used for flower arranging and as a general dumping ground could be cleared out and made very nice.

But in the meantime, if she moved Martin’s old desk, which wasn’t very special really, William’s desk would fit. She’d ask Martin if he wanted it although it wouldn’t really fit into his and Cressida’s minimal, modern decorative scheme.