They spent longer in that area as he explained exactly how he was going to set it up. Half of what he said was meaningless to her, but she nodded and encouraged him to continue because it kept that happy light in his eyes.

‘When do you move in?’ she asked once he slowed down.

‘As soon as the internal security system is running properly and we’ve got some furniture and domestic staff. We’ve got nightwatchmen on duty at the moment. It’ll be ready enough in a few days, I hope.’

She didn’t say it, but she thought how sad it was that he had to protect his privacy so carefully. Then it occurred to her that she did too now.

‘Let’s sit down a minute. I want to tell you what’s been happening to my son.’ He explained Tom’s dilemma.

‘It’ll be nice for you to have family with you.’

‘I hope it will. I don’t know much about young children … or about Tom, either. Though I like what I’ve seen of him so far.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘Have you time to look at the staff cottages and flats? I thought one of those would suit him and the children. They’ll want their own space – and I will, too.’

‘Of course I’ve got time.’ Fancy having several cottages and flats for staff! When she and Bill had got married, they’d lived in a one-room flat for the first year – and been happy there, too.

Neither cottage was large enough to give the nanny her own sitting room, but Sophie suggested knocking a door through from the upper flat next to it.

‘You’re good at that sort of thing,’ he said as they walked back to the big house.

‘I like making houses into homes. My internal courtyard was my own idea. I had it added on and it works well, don’t you think?’

‘It’s lovely. I’m thinking of having a private garden made outside my studio. Will you help me design that?’

‘If you wish.’

He smiled. ‘What you mean is, if we’re still together.’

She stopped dead. ‘Isn’t it rushing things to say we’re together?’

‘No. We’re together already. Have been almost from the first.’

She stared into his eyes and saw nothing but warmth there. ‘You’re right. I can’t understand how it’s happened so quickly, but it has.’

‘Hoy!’

They swung round.

Kevin was standing at the door of the big house, grinning at them. ‘If you lovebirds can tear yourselves apart, Jez has a physio appointment.’

Jez looked at his watch. ‘Damn. I can’t believe time’s gone so quickly. I hate to say goodbye.’ He pulled Sophie into his arms and simply held her close, heedless of whether Kevin was still watching. She went willingly. She’d missed touching and being touched, had read about ‘skin hunger’ in people living on their own.

‘I love holding you,’ Jez murmured into her hair.

She tightened her arms round him and took another risk. ‘Would you like to come for dinner at my place tomorrow night?’