Helena laughed. ‘I do remember that time we went to the health farm and everyone had makeovers.’

‘They all looked amazing and I looked awful,’ said Gilly. ‘I couldn’t understand why it didn’t work on me.’

‘They looked natural,’ said Helena.

‘So did I,’ said Gilly, ‘which was why I hated it. Now, glass of wine? Supper? Why don’t you ring Jago and ask him to join us?’

‘Actually, I’ve got a few things I must do, but I’ll come early tomorrow. At about eleven? Just to help you with the flowers for the tables and anything else you may be panicking about.’

‘Which will be everything! Supposing William doesn’t turn up!’

‘He’ll turn up. He adores you.’

When Helena was driving away she reflected it wasn’t William not turning up that was worrying her mum, it was Martin. And he wouldn’t turn up, not if he was still feeling angry and resentful. She had a few phone calls to make, she realised, before she could relax and sort out what she was wearing for the lunch the following day.

Chapter Thirty-seven

‘It’s so kind of you to see me so early,’ said Gilly to her hairdresser as she was handed a cup of tea. ‘I should have sorted it out sooner but I got distracted.’

‘That’s OK,’ said Debbie. ‘I don’t mind an early start. Working from home means I’m here. Aren’t you lucky with the weather!’

‘I know! We had made provision for it being cold and rainy but I don’t think we’ll need the heaters.’

‘These days all the seasons are unpredictable,’ said Debbie. ‘So, just a wash and blow-dry?’

‘Please.’ Gilly settled back to enjoy the blissful experience of having her hair washed. ‘I couldn’t drop off last night and of course went into a deep sleep at about five thirty.’

‘Oh, I hate that! But you feel all right now?’

Gilly nodded as Debbie’s skilful hands rubbed away her tension. ‘I’m fine.’

‘You know, when people say “fine” they always mean the exact opposite.’

Gilly laughed. ‘No! I really am fine!’ She crossed her fingers under her robe. While she longed to confide in Debbie and knew she’d be wise and non-judgemental, she felt that not talking about Martin’s refusal to accept William made it less real. Besides, there was nothing she could do about it today.

‘So, tell me about William then,’ said Debbie, when Gilly had moved from the washbasin and was in front of the mirror.

‘He’s lovely. Sort of quiet but exciting enough for me.’

‘What do you mean? Or shouldn’t I ask?’

Gilly was perfecting her ‘I’m totally happy’ laugh and executed one now. ‘I mean, he took me gliding and I loved it!’

Debbie was suitably impressed. ‘Wow, Gilly!’ She hesitated. ‘Should I just take a bit off the back? It seems a bit heavy …’