“The free-standing tubs blew her away too,” Leanne announced, “especially the one in your bathroom that’s next to a fireplace.”

“I was very tempted to get in,” Wilkie admitted. “I’m sure I would have if the fire had been lit. It’s all so beautiful, my dear, and such a long time since this house was properly loved, but there’s no doubt it will be now. Champagne, someone, let’s drink another toast to the ladies of Haylesbury Coach House.”

As everyone echoed the lively rhythm of the words, Henry decided to swing Marcy into a dance and Richie did the same with Wilkie. There was soon so much laughter and joie de vivre in the room that Claudia felt as intoxicated as if she’d drunk an entire bottle herself. She was hoping to talk some more with Dan, but then Leanne came to join them, and when she began asking his advice about a legal case she was involved in, Claudia discreetly moved away.

She wasn’t sure who asked Jasmine to play the violin, she only knew it was going to happen when it began. Everyone stopped to listen, eyes shining with pleasure as they were lulled into the sweetness and drama of Brahms’s Sonata No. 3. Then they were laughing as she broke into a joyous Irish jig, and marveling as she followed up with a medley of famous pop songs before finishing with Gershwin’s “Summertime.”

She radiated so much delight as she took the applause that Claudia had to swallow a lump in her throat. Joel would have been so proud of his girl, and the fact that she’d just played his violin for the first time in front of an audience was something that only she and Marcy knew. Claudia wanted to tell everyone, but understood why Jasmine hadn’t; it might have brought a somber note to this wonderful evening of celebration.

“Wow, am I glad that I have my ticket for the opening night of the concert,” Dan declared, coming to stand with Claudia again. “She isn’t just talented, she’s gifted.” He frowned. “Is one better than the other?”

Claudia laughed. “I don’t know, but I understand your meaning, and on her behalf, thank you.” Then without giving herself the chance to back down, she added, “Would you like to sit with us for the opening night? It’ll be me, Mum, and Henry in our box, but there’s room for one more.”

His eyes widened with surprise and pleasure. “I’d love to, thank you,” he replied. He seemed about to say more, but stopped himself.

“Go on,” she prompted.

He laughed. “I was going to overdo things by asking if you’d like to meet for dinner some time before that, but I realize . . .”

“I would,” she told him. “Thank you. Do you have my number?”