‘He’s twelve now. Actually, he’s my parents’ dog – or rather was my parents’ dog – but they moved to Spain and weren’t sure he’d adapt well to the hot climate at his age. They couldn’t bear to put him in a rescue centre and nor could I, hence here we are.’

Stuart pulled a dog treat out of the pocket of his coat, knelt down and held it out to Boris, who miraculously recovered his mobility and trotted over to him.

‘Looks like you’ve got trouble too,’ I said as I noticed his puppy, who was on his hind legs, chewing on the end of Stuart’s scarf as he leant over to fuss Boris.

‘This is Monty,’ he said. ‘I got him for my daughter, she’s always wanted a dog, but look who’s ended up looking after him.’ I checked his left hand for a wedding ring. Of course, I thought when I saw that he was wearing one: all the good ones are taken. ‘He eats everything – socks, scarves, dirt, leaves, you name it,’ Stuart continued. ‘I’ve already been to the vets’ twice with him and I’ve only had him three weeks.’

I laughed. ‘I’m sure he’ll learn.’

Boris decided he might walk after all, so we strolled along together sharing dog-training tips. Conversation came easily and I felt as if I’d known him for ever, an old friend I happened to have come across on the Heath. As he talked about his family and his wife, I’d quickly pushed away the initial attraction I’d felt for him. I never got involved with married men, never had, never would – not that he gave me any encouragement anyway. But I knew I wanted him in my life. When he’d said he was an accountant, I’d told him I was looking for one, and so the deal was sealed and, as I re-read his note by the kettle, I felt thankful that here he was ten years on, a friend I valued greatly.

I checked the heating was going to stay on then went from room to room switching on more lamps to give a sense of life in the place. On the ground floor, there was a large kitchen-diner, with glass folding doors at the back which opened onto a tiny courtyard garden. The sitting room and cloakroom were on the first floor, then up to a bedroom and bathroom on the second floor, from where there was access to a roof terrace, which was a heavenly place to retreat to in the summer.