Remembering how they had met, Helena smiled. ‘So do I. But, Mum, why was William here?’

Gilly seemed a bit embarrassed. ‘He was passing and he just called in?’

Helena shook her head. ‘Try again, Mum.’

‘I’d sent him a text while I was in the kitchen at Martin and Cressida’s house. Apparently it gave him the impression all was not well. He didn’t know where they lived so he came here.’

‘Good for him,’ said Jago.

‘So you really don’t mind if William moves in with me?’ said Gilly, who seemed to be a bit obsessed.

‘No, I’m utterly delighted, Mum!’ said Helena and went back to kiss her mother again.

‘And if we had a big party to tell the world what we’re up to, you’d come?’

‘Of course!’

‘Try to keep us away!’ said Jago.

Helena felt her mother had relaxed a bit as she and Jago went through the house with her looking at furniture. Gilly had already put stickers on everything she wanted to get rid of.

‘Can we say yes to everything?’ said Helena.

‘There are some nice pieces here,’ said Jago.

Gilly seemed sceptical. ‘It’s just a load of old junk, really, and very battered.’

‘I like battered,’ said Jago. ‘And I’d like to restore some things.’

‘But do ask Martin,’ said Helena. ‘I’d hate him to think we’d taken everything.’

Gilly cleared her throat. ‘I’ll ask him. I’m not sure any of this is his and Cressida’s style though.’

‘No, but you know what he’s like,’ said Helena. ‘He’ll get cross if he isn’t asked.’

Gilly sighed. ‘He will.’

‘Are you tired, Mum? You must be. We’ll do the car another time. We’ll get out of your hair and let you find an Escape to the Country to sleep in front of.’ Helena hugged her mother. ‘Don’t worry about Martin. He’ll come round eventually.’

But Gilly couldn’t relax. After Helena and Jago had gone, Gilly went out through the front door to dead-head her hanging baskets. She was so happy that Helena was completely relaxed about her living with William, but while Martin was upset about it, she couldn’t properly relax.

She was surprised to see her car parked there. She sighed. Its presence implied that someone – probably Martin and Cressida – had delivered it without coming in to say hello.

All her happiness about living with William melted away, leaving her with a feeling of unease. She and Martin had never been as close as she and Helena for all sorts of reasons but while she didn’t always like him, she did love him very much. The thought of him being upset with her was heartbreaking.