‘Don’t you ever get nervous?’ whispered Esther. Henry answered with a rousing arpeggio that ran the length of the piano. ‘Never!’

A small group had already gathered, though whether that was in anticipation of Henry’s piano-playing or Mabel’s shameless playing to the crowd it was hard to tell. Henry began with ‘Bring Me Sunshine’, followed by ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head’ and by the time he had completed his meteorological medley with ‘Stormy Weather’, Imelda and Esther were being jostled by a large crowd, many of whom were recording Henry and Mabel on their mobiles. Henry’s accompaniment at their tap dance class and her vague memories of him at Larkins hadn’t prepared Imelda for his showmanship. He was clearly a born performer and Imelda couldn’t help but feel quite proud to call him her friend. Imelda and Esther eventually extracted themselves from Henry’s fan club and went for a wander around the shops. They marvelled at the Easter display in Hamleys’ window, spritzed themselves with perfume in Jo Malone, bought loose leaf tea and Florentines in Fortnum & Mason and at one o’clock they reconvened with Henry and Mabel in the bar of The Betjeman.

‘You were wonderful!’ Esther congratulated Henry. ‘We could hear the applause all over the station!’

‘Thank you. That’s very kind. But there was someone else playing the other piano. Some of the applause was probably for them.’

Esther shook her head. ‘I doubt it. They were playing Rachmaninov. Nobody wants Rachmaninov at Easter. It’s far too miserable.’

‘Well, never mind Rachmaninov. I’m delighted that you ladies came to hear me play and I’m going to buy us a bottle of prosecco to celebrate,’ Henry declared.

As he stood waiting to be served, Esther appraised his trim figure and stylish outfit from behind. ‘Has he always been gay, do you think?’ she asked Imelda. ‘It’s such a pity. He’d just do for you – or me. Or maybe both,’ she added, winking at Imelda.

‘Don’t listen, Mabel!’ Imelda covered the dog’s ears. ‘Auntie Esther’s being inappropriate again.’

Esther laughed. ‘Don’t be such a prude! All I’m saying is he’s quite a catch.’

Henry returned with a bottle of prosecco in an ice bucket and three glasses.

‘So, what have I missed?’

‘Esther was asking me whether you’ve always been gay. Be careful, Henry. I think she may have designs on you.’

Henry laughed as he poured their drinks. ‘I’m flattered! As for your question, Esther, I’m not really sure what to tell you. I happened to fall in love with a man, and he was the love of my life. But it’s always been the person rather than their gender that’s been important to me. I fancied boys and girls when I was young, but as corny as it sounds, Jocelyn was my soulmate.’