Enid found Ava fascinating, refreshing, promising. She hoped the world would one day be full of women who had as much confidence. She also thought she was a bit of a bossy boots and her habit of getting her own way was a nuisance if you wanted to go up against her. Ava had wanted to drive to the ‘darling tea shop’ in Stafford that Vivian occasionally wrote of. She maintained that she desperately needed a run out and that her driver liked to be kept busy. Enid was not impervious to the lure of riding in a luxury car, or a cream tea, and she did agree that a public outing was more seemly than an intimate tea in Vivian’s parlour.

When Enid and Howard arrived at Vivian’s house, Ava was outside. It looked as though she’d been waiting for them. Enid knew that the vibrant young woman had to be excited about meeting Howard R. Henderson; his looks and notoriety guaranteed as much. She felt a brief flutter of anxiety as she wondered whether Ava would try to seduce her son, whether he might respond. Such a flirtation would at least put paid to anything untoward that might be developing between him and Vivian, but she didn’t want to see Vivian hurt or humiliated. It was complex being a mother to a man. A man such as her son. Of course she wanted him to turn heads, but she didn’t want him to break hearts. She certainly didn’t want him damaged.

Ava’s introduction was forward enough. ‘So here you are, in the flesh.’ She lingered over the word; it was almost unseemly. ‘I’ve heard so much about you.’ She looked thrilled, genuinely excited, and Enid knew enough about her to be aware that this wasn’t the usual state of affairs; it took a lot to impress Ava. She preferred to exist in a perpetual state of languid indifference.

Enid remembered the formalities that had to be observed. ‘Howie, let me introduce Miss Ava Pondson-Callow. Ava, this is my son, Howard Henderson.’ Ava held out her hand and Howard shook it.

‘Pleasure. Where’s Vivian?’ His eyes flicked impatiently towards the house. He barely seemed to notice Ava’s obvious and abundant charms. Enid had her answer. Things were worse than she’d feared. He cared. A lot. Exclusively. For years Enid had prayed he’d fall in love, utterly and thoughtlessly, but a married woman had not been part of her plan. Once again she was reminded that it was best to be extremely careful about what you wished for.

Ava’s eyes narrowed slightly. She was no fool and recognised Howard’s interest, devotion. However, she seemed relieved, happy to acknowledge it. She generously conceded to her friend. No doubt the beautiful, wealthy young woman only saw the romance and excitement of an impending illicit affair; Enid saw the transience, the tragedy.

‘She’s inside, leaving instructions with Mrs Rosebend. I’ve persuaded her to leave Mabel at home this afternoon. There’s no room for her in the car and small children are particularly tiresome at teatime, don’t you think? Very demanding.’