That evening Ben took her to the theatre, to a hit musical show which she’d once expressed a desire to see. She was touched that he’d remembered and couldn’t believe he’d managed to get tickets at such a short notice. She enjoyed every second of the performance, but as they came out, she couldn’t suppress a yawn and saw him smiling at her.

‘It’s been quite a week!’ he said sympathetically.

‘The most amazing week of my life.’

They stood still and people flowed around them like water. Neither spoke but they smiled and their hands were linked, and that was all they needed to feel good about life.

Eventually he tugged her forward again. ‘I think I’d better get you back to my aunt’s early. I have some figures to check tonight. One of the two people I’d kept on to help clear up the final details was suddenly offered a terrific job in Brussels. I couldn’t hold her back, but it means everything is taking longer than I’d expected. Do you mind?’

‘Not at all.’

‘You’re very undemanding,’ he said wonderingly.

‘What should I be asking for that I haven’t got?’ she asked. Besides, she still felt as if everything was slightly unreal, as if it couldn’t possibly last.

On the Thursday, Megan had her first quarrel with Ben. He came round for breakfast at his aunt’s flat and when Megan opened the door to him, said without preamble, ‘I worked late and got a lot more done than I’d expected so that I could take some time off today to buy you some new clothes.’

She stared at him in shock. ‘But I’ve got plenty of clothes. I’ll find something special for the wedding, of course – your aunt’s going to take me to a boutique she knows – but you don’t need to buy me anything.’

‘Look, most of the things you wear are not…’ he paused then said bluntly, ‘well, to be frank, they’re not of good enough quality.’

‘Oh. Well, I’ll get one or two very smart things then. I do have some money of my own, you know!’

‘I doubt it’s enough for the sort of clothes I mean.’

‘I don’t want to take money from you before we’re even married.’ She could feel her hands clench into fists and her spine go rigid. She was not marrying him for his wealth!

‘Look, Megan, the money’s nothing.’

His tone was so impatient that annoyed her still further. As if her feelings didn’t matter. As if she were a doll to be dressed before being brought out in company. She stopped trying for calm and let her anger show. ‘No, but my independence matters a lot to me!’

‘Don’t be silly!’