‘No!’ I wailed. ‘And why not? They’re both completely gorgeous, inside and out, even if I do say so myself. So why am I not in Harvey Nicholls looking at hats?’

He laughed. ‘They all do it much later, these days. Plus, I think they’re more afraid of getting it wrong.’

‘That’s true,’ I agreed. ‘Especially after my shining example. Although they both claim it’s not about that. That my mistake hasn’t influenced their seeming inability to choose.’

‘So … it was a mistake?’

‘Oh God, yes, didn’t I say? Total disaster.’ I should have met you, Dan De Courcy. Kept my eyes on the road, slowed right down at that junction. Spotted the motorbike, and driven on to the Carringtons’. Then had a dance and a snog with you, before settling down with you, some six or seven years later. First in London, in a nice little flat, Clapham perhaps, then later in the country. Instead of having a shotgun wedding with two white-faced, anxious-looking parents. No, of course I didn’t say that. He stopped a passing waitress with a smile and asked her politely for a couple more glasses of wine.

‘Actually, I’d better have a coffee,’ I told him. ‘I’m driving.’

‘Oh yes, of course you are. I’m ashamed to say I thought ahead and walked.’

‘I must remember that. What is it, ten minutes?’

‘If that, from both of us, yes.’

We were both silent a moment. It felt a bit awkward, as if a plan had been hatched to walk to the pub on a regular basis. I think we both realized things had moved on a bit quickly and spoke at the same time.

‘How did you—’

‘What will—’

We laughed.

‘Sorry.’

‘No, go on,’ he said.

‘I was just going to ask what you’ll do now Archie’s gone. I mean, if he was your main charge.’

‘Oh God, Mum’s not far behind. She may be fairly nimble on her pins, but she’s got galloping arthritis in her hands and wrists. Can’t open a jar. Plus, left to her own devices she’d pretty much live on Walnut Whips and choc ices.’

‘Tell me about it. Mum’s diet consisted of marmalade infused cupcakes before I arrived. But you’re in separate houses?’

‘Lord, yes. I’m in the coach house, which I share with Archie’s fleet.’

‘His fleet?’ I stirred my coffee which had arrived.

‘Wheelchairs. Indoor, outdoor and all terrain. Shame he wasn’t in one of them that day he tripped. But of course, he liked to show off when he was out with his mates. Gambol about like a gazelle. Mum’s the same; she’s frightfully competitive with her age group. Scans the deaths in The Times avidly, crowing with delight if someone younger than her has died. Only seventy-six! No age at all!’ he mimicked.