The time she spent getting it, although not long, was time for her to get her feelings in order. She produced the family calendar that ruled her life. ‘Look. I have bookings. I know I told you about them!’

‘You did, darling,’ he said smoothly, the first time he’d used this endearment. ‘But I decided if we stuck to your schedule we’d never go. You can easily cancel your visitors or get your friend to accommodate them.’

Gilly didn’t respond. She didn’t know how to. He’d arranged a truly amazing trip for them and now she didn’t want to go. It was odd, Gilly thought. A couple of days ago, if Leo had done this she’d have thought he was being wonderfully masterful and she’d have found the whole thing very sexy. She’d have passed her bed and breakfast guests on to her friend and tried to make it up to them later. Now she was determined not to rush into cancelling her bookings.

Was it Helena’s ridiculous revelations that had done it? she wondered as she let Leo continue to talk about the cultural joys of Vienna, not having really acknowledged her doubts. Or was the dizzy, wonderful feeling that she associated with Leo always destined to be fleeting?

‘You don’t seem to be paying attention, my love.’

Gilly turned to Leo. ‘Sorry, do go on. Vienna sounds fascinating.’ Even if she didn’t intend to go there.

‘I’d actually asked if you had any brandy – or, better, port.’

Gilly got up quickly, the hostess within her still willing to please. ‘Oh yes, of course. I’ll get it.’

When she’d come back to the table spread with maps and guidebooks she poured him the port.

‘Thank you,’ he said. ‘Now after Vienna, I suggest we take the train …’ He paused. ‘Now what?’ He sounded impatient. He wanted his audience to pay proper attention.

‘Sorry! I was just wondering how you were going to get home. You’ve had far too much alcohol to be safe to drive.’

‘Isn’t that my decision?’ he said coldly.

‘Would you like me to call you a taxi?’

He cleared his throat. ‘I was rather hoping to stay with you tonight.’ He looked at her in a way that last week would have had her half fainting with lust.

‘Sorry, but I’m absolutely chocker. Not a spare bed in the house.’

‘Really? I haven’t heard a soul and you haven’t jumped up from the table once.’

Except when I’ve been tending to your needs, thought Gilly. ‘They’re all coming in much later. By arrangement.’

He was silent for a few moments – rare for him, Gilly realised. ‘Maybe you’d better call that cab,’ he said at last.