Gilly wasn’t remotely worried about the meal – she knew it was going to be perfect – but she was agitated. In spite of telling Helena she didn’t care about anything she’d told her – except perhaps the part about Leo being the man in the car on the wrong side of the road – it wasn’t true. And she’d thought about little else.

Sherry consumed, some fairly normal conversation enjoyed, Gilly went to get the starter. She released the little ramekins on to warm plates and was pleased to see the batter was perfectly set. She’d eaten the dish in France once and had been pleased to find a recipe.

Leo had filled both their glasses with wine and for once ignored the jug of water that was also on the table. How was he getting home? Gilly wondered. She had no guests in that night and had deliberately kept this evening free, so she could easily put Leo up if he wanted to stay. But would he want his own bedroom or would he want to share hers? In spite of him being so ardent in many ways, he hadn’t actually kissed her properly yet. She didn’t know if he was biding his time (she really hoped that was it) or didn’t fancy her. She herself had decided their trip to Vienna was the time to pursue their relationship further.

‘This is very delicious,’ said Leo after a couple of mouthfuls.

‘I’m so glad you like it. We’re having belly of pork next so I wanted to do something light.’

‘My favourite!’ He paused. ‘Not the sort of thing your daughter-in-law Cressida would ever cook.’

A slight concern that she kept forgetting about came into Gilly’s head. ‘I’m sure you’ve told me …’ She wasn’t sure but she said it anyway. ‘Did you meet Cressida and Martin at mine that time we all had Sunday lunch? Or did you know them before?’

He hesitated just a fraction too long for her peace of mind. ‘I met them here, of course.’

It didn’t ring true but Gilly was determined not to spoil her evening.

‘So what news of Vienna?’ she said later, when they were halfway through their pork and the best way to achieve the perfect crackling (which this definitely was) had been discussed at length.

‘Oh! All booked!’ said Leo. ‘I’ll give you the details after supper. I can guarantee you’re going to absolutely love what I’ve planned. More wine?’

He topped up her glass and then his own.