‘Ben and Ruby did the decorations yesterday,’ said Pete as he ushered me through into the kitchen diner, which was already full of family and friends.

‘Looks fab and I can smell cinnamon and nutmeg too. Mulled wine?’

Pete nodded. ‘Just made. I’ll get you a glass. It’s all been a bit of a rush this year, though Marcia did some preparations before we went away.’

‘She ought to run the country,’ I said. Despite some of Marcia’s far-fetched ideas and predilection to be irrational at times, she was the most organized person I knew when it came to her family and work. She’d always had a gift for admin, project managing, and generally running things, though Pete often remarked it was actually just that she liked bossing people around. This season, she’d bought her Christmas cards back in October, had all the presents wrapped in November before we went away, and I’d seen her in the airport lounge in India ordering the fresh food online to be delivered on Christmas Eve. I hadn’t even bothered decorating my house because I’d missed the run-up, nor had I bothered buying any special food: there was only me at home and I didn’t plan on doing any entertaining this year.

‘Any news?’ asked Pete.

‘I have a letter waiting for me at home but have put off looking at it until after Boxing Day.’

‘It’s not like you to procrastinate.’

‘I know, but everywhere is shut over Christmas, everyone’s on holiday, so what’s the point in getting all worked up when no one’s in their office? So I’m having a bit more time off – proper time – and when everyone’s back at work, I’ll get in gear.’ Actually, part of the reason I’d been delaying the moment was that I wanted to be sure Stuart would be around to advise and, of course, he’d be busy with his wife and family over the festive period. He’d already seen me through some tough times with my business and finances, and I valued his calm approach and steadying influence.

‘I think that’s very sensible,’ said Pete as he handed me a steaming mug of mulled wine. ‘Good decision. Now get a drink and let’s put all thoughts of work, worry and changes out of our minds. Let’s eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we may diet.’