Knowing he wasn’t likely to resolve all his complex feelings about Berlin on this particular trip to Yorkshire he settled back to enjoy the sight of the fast-flowing Ure and to relish the sense of relaxation that came over him whenever he was about to spend time at Shuttleworth Hall.

The minute he stepped across the threshold he knew he’d arrived on no ordinary day and that something special was being celebrated. The lavender-waxed furniture was always polished to a glass-like sheen and there were always bowls of flowers everywhere, even in winter. Today, though, vases of white roses crammed every available surface.

Musingly, he walked through the drawing room towards the French windows and, as he did so, there came the sound of laughter and a champagne cork popped.

He knew then, even before he saw them, that he’d arrived home on his mother and Adam’s wedding day.

He stepped out onto the terrace, a smile on his face.

‘Congratulations,’ he said, genuinely pleased for them. ‘You make a beautiful couple.’

At a large round table on the terrace were seated his mother and Adam, his grandfather, Paul, Josephine, Violet Ramsbotham, Will and Jenny. The table was covered with a glistening white damask tablecloth and in the centre of it was a two-tier wedding cake surrounded by yet more white roses.

Adam, splendidly handsome in a dove-grey three-piece suit, rose to his feet, the fizzing champagne bottle still in his hand.

‘Fantastic timing, Max!’ he said ebulliently, pouring Max a glass of champagne.

Vicky pushed her chair away from the table. ‘Oh, darling! This is so wonderful! But you’re not cross that we didn’t let you or anyone else know, are you?’

Joy at his walking in on them so unexpectedly and concern that his feelings might be hurt fought for supremacy as she ran across to him.

‘No, I’m not cross,’ he said easily as she stood on tiptoe to kiss him lovingly on the cheek. ‘But why the secrecy? You’re going to have quite a bit of explaining to do to Hugo and Nancy and the Berlin contingent.’

‘I know.’ With her hand in his she walked him towards the table. ‘But we didn’t want a big-number wedding. Under the circumstances we felt it would have been totally inappropriate. And if we’d told you and Hugo and Nancy, we would have had to tell Claus and Lotti and Ilse. And then what would I have done with regard to your father? Although he’s accepted the situation he would still have felt deep hurt at seeing me marry Adam, and it was equally unthinkable for everyone else to be here and not him. So this seemed the best way.’

‘Yes,’ he said as Adam pressed a glass of champagne into his hand. ‘I can see that. I’m glad I’m here by accident, though, if only to see what a beautiful bride you are.’

Vicky blushed and Paul laughed.

‘It’s true, Aunt Vicky,’ he said, his cane chair pushed a little away from the table, his legs crossed at the ankle.