‘I expect so. William won’t want Gilly being unhappy about Martin. In theory, he’s a grown-up and should just suck it up. But your mum is very maternal. She won’t want to do anything that makes him unhappy.’

‘You’re absolutely right. But this is her time. She should have a chance of happiness!’

Jago shrugged. ‘She’s very caring.’

‘Too caring,’ said Helena, determined to insist that William did move in if that was what her mother wanted.

Sitting in a wine bar a few hours later, Helena really understood why her mother loved William. He was kind, a good listener but not too full on. He was a slow burn rather than instant conflagration and he obviously cared about Gilly very much.

‘I know that however much she says she’ll put up with Martin being unhappy, she will be miserable,’ William said. ‘However unreasonable Martin is being she’s still affected by it. I’d love to start organising this party with her knowing she has the blessing of both her children.’

‘She does hate it if we fall out and I know she’ll be miserable if she thinks Martin is unhappy about anything she does.’

‘Exactly.’

‘And you want me to try to talk Martin round?’

He had a very endearing smile. ‘Do you think you can?’

Helena shrugged. ‘I’ll certainly try. I think you’re absolutely right about Mum. This should be a very happy time for her. I know she likes you, William. She should be allowed to enjoy that and stop being a mum all the time.’

‘Thank you for being so understanding. You see far more of Gilly than Martin does. Don’t you mind about it?’

Helena shook her head. ‘I was with Mum during the divorce. And before that, I saw how vile my dad could be to her. Martin never saw it. I think maybe Dad behaved a bit better when he was around. Whatever, Martin and Dad are quite close. I don’t really have much to do with my dad.’

‘Are you sad about that?’

‘I’m sad my dad wasn’t different but I seem to manage OK without one.’

‘I won’t ever be a father to you,’ said William. ‘But if you ever need help with anything – anything you need advice about – I’d be more than happy to give it a go.’

‘That’s very kind.’

‘Only please don’t ask me anything that involves being fatherly. But I’m good on tax, not too bad on cars, and can find my way round a computer if I have to.’

Helena smiled. ‘I’ll bear that in mind. It’s a very nice offer.’

‘Not at all. I know how much Gilly values your opinion. It’s important for me to get on your good side.’

Now she laughed. ‘You’re already on my good side. And I’ll see what I can do about Martin.’