‘Good. Tread water for a while. You’ll be a cash buyer and in a much stronger position than trying to downsize in a rush and maybe get gazumped. Do you know where you want to relocate to?’

‘Nope. I love Highgate. I love where I live, the village atmosphere; nowhere better in all seasons.’

‘What about India? How was that?’

‘Glorious. Are you going to tell me off for spending on such an exotic trip?’

‘Absolutely not. You deserved a break. I’d love to do something like that. Maybe one day. And it was a big birthday, so why the hell not?’

I nodded. ‘Turning fifty gets you thinking about what’s really important.’ I looked out of the window at the blue sky above. ‘It feels unreal to be indoors talking over money matters. We should be out on the Heath, breathing in the air.’

‘Monty would like that but … stop trying to change the subject. Where will you live after staying with Marcia and Pete? Property prices are high here. You owe more than half of the equity in your house to the bank. That doesn’t leave you with a lot.’

‘I know.’ I’d been determined to go in and be businesslike, no emotion, no tears but, suddenly, I felt myself crumbling. It all seemed to be happening so fast, everything I’d worked so hard for disappearing before my eyes. Change the subject, quickly, I told myself, before I started full-on blubbing. ‘How’s Janet? And your kids? Your Christmas?’

‘My wife and kids are fine though, as you know, hardly kids any more.’ Stuart sat back in his chair and looked at me kindly. ‘I know it’s tough for you, Bea, believe me, you’re not the only one in this situation. Times are changing. You’ve been resisting it for a long time, but it’s time to give in and face the music. You have some hard decisions ahead of you, but you started from nothing; you could rebuild again but without the risks.’

‘I could.’

‘If that’s what you wanted to do. Question is, do you want to?’

‘Honestly, I don’t know any more. For the last year, I thought if I put the blinkers on and just tried to plough through, everything might be all right. I couldn’t have done more. However, when I was away in India, I realized that my whole life now is all work, no play – and what for? I barely get to enjoy the lifestyle I’ve worked so hard to create.’

Stuart nodded. ‘That sounds familiar. Janet is always saying the same thing about me. I guess we both need to find some balance in our lives.’