‘Hi, Mum! What’s this about you being seen with a silver fox!’ Helena hoped she sounded sufficiently light-hearted. ‘Did you have a good time?’ she added.

‘Amy told you?’ Gilly laughed. ‘I didn’t think it would take Michelle long to tell on me.’

‘To be fair, I think she was more impressed than disapproving.’ Helena managed to hesitate for a tenth of a second before going on. ‘So who was he and how did you meet him?’

‘Honestly, darling, anyone would think I was an underage convent girl, not a middle-aged woman, quite old enough to be in a public place with a member of the opposite sex.’

Helena’s laugh sounded a bit false, even to her. ‘Sorry! I’m just curious.’

There was a pause. Helena could picture her mother, who by now would be playing Spider patience on her computer, something she always did while on the phone unless it was a business call. Therefore a hesitation on Gilly’s part didn’t always mean she was thinking of what to say – she could just be working out a move with her game. ‘Are you still there, Mum? Or have you got a tricky patience to get out?’

Gilly laughed again.

Honestly, Helena thought, her mother could almost be accused of being giddy. ‘So? I can’t decide if you’re holding out on me or wondering if you’ll have to start your game again, for the hundredth time.’

‘Of course I’m not holding out on you. His name is Leo Simmons. I have only just met him and he had a spare ticket for the opera at Gainsborough House and asked me if I’d go. He’s new to the area and doesn’t know many people. I was just helping him out.’

‘And did you bring the picnic?’

‘I did! You know how I love making picnics.’

‘Were there leftovers?’

‘There were but I’m afraid I left them in the car with Leo. He was so appreciative.’

‘I’ll forgive you if you promise to arrange for me to meet him,’ said Helena, feeling she was winning. ‘Just a casual Sunday lunch would do. You could invite Martin and Cress.’

‘Then it would look as if he was having to meet all the family because we were going out properly which would be a bit much considering we’re not.’

‘Just invite me, then,’ said Helena, determined to meet her mother’s silver fox.

‘That would look worse! Really, Helly, you are being a bit unreasonable.’

‘You know me, I’ll go to any lengths to get one of your Sunday lunches.’ She paused. ‘I know! Why don’t I bring someone?’

‘Who? Amy? That would look very normal, I must say! I go out with him once and then five minutes later make him come to Sunday lunch with two giggling schoolgirls.’