‘The money does matter to me,’ she said, wondering how to make him understand. ‘I’ve never had much, you see.’

‘I was poor enough, myself, at one stage, just after my father died. I do remember what it was like to have to count every penny.’ For a moment his gaze was on his memories, then his eyes came back into focus and he smiled at her. ‘Megan, I’m sorry if I sounded officious. It’s just that I’ve only got today free and there’s so much to do now Julie’s left.’

She immediately felt guilty. ‘I’m sorry, too. I – I’m just not used to the idea of you being rich yet. And I don’t want you to think that I—’

‘No one could ever think that you’re a gold digger, Megan.’

‘I’ll go and get my coat, then.’

As she passed him, he caught her hand for a moment. ‘I’m actually looking forward to buying you some pretty things.’

When he smiled like that, the last of her anger slipped away. Since she’d come to London she’d seen a different side of him, the serious businessman with a zillion calls on his time. That side made her feel nervous and alienated sometimes.

Get over it, she told herself. No one is perfect.

They had to visit the Australian authorities to deal with her visa. Because she’d been turned down before for a working visa, they had records of her personal details. This time there was no question of turning her down, only of proving who she was and showing them the details of the medical she’d had early that morning.

‘That was surprisingly easy,’ she said as they left the building.

‘I’m investing a decent sum of money in the country. That makes a big difference.’

His money again. The thought that he was rich made her feel uncomfortable sometimes. She didn’t even know the details of his finances, and definitely wasn’t going to ask.

‘I need a coffee injection,’ he said. ‘Let’s find a café. I think there’s a good one nearby. What time are you meeting my aunt to look for your wedding outfit?’

‘Not for another hour.’

‘Good. We can have something to eat and rest a little. I don’t know about you, but I’ve felt like a spinning top this week.’

‘Me, too.’

They didn’t chat much, just sat and relaxed together. But it felt good.

By the Friday afternoon, Megan was exhausted with so much shopping. She was thrilled with the wonderful outfit Louisa had helped her choose for the wedding and had pulled it out to admire it a few times.