‘How did the children take it?’

‘Badly at first. They were older–I mean, at least they weren’t in their teens. But I don’t think it’s easy when your parents split up, whatever your age. It still comes as a shock. Ellie coped with it better than Matt. He always got on better with his mother than with me. Not that we got on badly. It’s just that they seemed to have an easier relationship.’

‘Father and son rivalry?’ asked Maria.

‘A bit I suppose. But it wasn’t just that. He’s gay. I think he thinks that he’s been a disappointment to me.’

‘And has he?’ Maria asked gently.

‘No. Not at all. It was a bit of a shock, if I’m honest. But I’m a doctor. I’ve seen enough of it over the years to know it happens. It doesn’t embarrass me or anything like that. But I’d be lying if I said it hadn’t made it more difficult; hadn’t made the break-up harder, simply because they both continued to share the house with me–when they were at home. I always felt that Matt would rather have been with his mum.’

‘You must feel very bitter.’

Christopher sighed. ‘No. Not bitter. Sad. Guilty. But not bitter.’

‘And now?’ she asked.

The look of intense concentration departed. His face relaxed and broke into a smile. ‘Right now I’m happier than I can remember.’

Maria looked self-conscious; as though she had been caught searching for a compliment. Her discomfort was relieved by the arrival of the food, which they spooned out and began to eat.

‘How about you?’ asked Christopher. ‘Are you happy?’

‘Yes. More than happy. Content.’

‘Perhaps that’s the secret.’

‘Contentment?’

‘Yes. Instead of asking, “Are you happy?”, perhaps what people should really ask is, “Are you content?”’

‘Isn’t that like resignation? Like giving in?’

‘I don’t think so. I think it’s about getting in touch with reality. About balancing aspirations and actuality.’

‘That sounds very deep.’

Christopher brightened. ‘And very boring.’

‘Not boring at all. Thoughtful. Accurate. Considerate. Just what a doctor should be.’

‘And a bit safe?’

‘Is that what you want to be? Safe?’

‘Not really. I think there are times when you have to take risks. Calculated risks.’

‘Even in relationships?’ she asked.

Christopher was silent for a moment, then he said, ‘I think it’s a mistake always to rely on your head. I think sometimes you need to let your heart have a bit of a free reign.’

She smiled at him. ‘I do so like being with you,’ she said.

‘And you,’ he murmured. ‘And you.’

Maria took a deep breath. ‘Don’t you wonder sometimes, how different it could have been?’

‘Mmm?’