When the bell rang to signal the arrival of their cab, Hugo looped Evie’s arm through the crook of his elbow and led her outside into the bitterly cold evening air. They sat side by side in the back of the car, their legs pressed up against each other’s. Hugo lay his hand casually on Evie’s thigh as she gazed out the window, watching the sparkling Christmas lights that would soon be taken down.

‘What are you thinking about?’ Hugo asked.

‘Chloe,’ Evie responded before she could help herself. ‘Have you had any more thoughts about, you know, paying her? It might get her to back off. And it really wouldn’t be that much, in the scheme of things. She seemed genuine when she said it was all she’d ever ask for.’ Her eyes were still focused out the window, the lights all blurring into one as they sped past Holland Park.

‘Evie, we’ve discussed this. I’m not going to let her blackmail me.’

‘Hugo, we have enough money. We can easily afford to be a little generous.’

‘Don’t you mean I have enough money?’ Hugo said sharply.

Evie swallowed. Hugo had never before made her feel guilty about the disparity in their incomes. He was generous to his very core, looking for any opportunity to shower her with gifts. The Chloe situation was clearly getting to him.

‘Sorry, Evie. It’s just, why would I give her money after she’s made these ridiculous claims? Leave it. Please. It’s not the night.’

Evie said nothing, staring out the window instead.

When they arrived they were greeted by Nancy, a tall, effortlessly chic woman.

‘Darling,’ she said as she kissed Hugo on both cheeks. ‘So good to see you!’

Hugo had told Evie that Nancy was known for being equal parts cutthroat and compassionate. While her blunt manner was famously intimidating, Evie immediately warmed to her. Nancy was in control and didn’t care what anyone else thought, which Evie admired.

‘Thanks so much for having us,’ Evie said, as Nancy swooped to greet her too.

‘It’s our pleasure. Now, come in, come in, it’s freezing out here!’ Nancy said, ushering them inside.

Hugo and Evie hung their coats by the door before following her down the hall and up a flight of stairs. Evie admired each passing room (did this place ever end?!), which all seemed to house glittering chandeliers and large windows looking out onto the Thames. Evie’s pick of the rooms was one with an oak bookshelf that took up an entire, floor-to-ceiling wall. She wanted to rush over to the wall of books, pull one out at random, and settle into the beautiful armchair by the window to read. Noticing her interest, Nancy smiled and told her, ‘I started collecting first editions when I was only fifteen. I was always totally obsessed with books.’