Which was the reason why she was currently waiting for him in his study. Determined that he wouldn’t be able to sneak away unnoticed, she was sitting in the chesterfield chair, the back of which was turned to the door, so that she might catch him unawares as he came into the room.

‘Hearts alive!’ spluttered William. ‘What the hell do you think you’re doing and why are you hiding in my study?’

‘Waiting for you,’ said Olivia, ‘to tell you that you need to spend some time with Mum before it’s too late. You’re her husband and she needs you. I know she’s got me for company, but it’s not the same …’

‘Hasn’t she just,’ her father snapped irritably, glancing towards the window at the sound of knocking on the front door. Olivia spoke, transferring his attention back to her.

‘Well, someone has to be with her, because apparently you’re always too busy,’ she said, her voice heavy with sarcasm.

He looked at her sharply. ‘And what’s that supposed to mean?’

Olivia folded her arms across her chest. ‘When was the last time you actually sat with her?’

Her father pouted. ‘You know what they say, two’s company …’

‘Don’t be so bloody childish!’ Olivia burst out. ‘You’re avoiding her because you can’t face up to the truth, but I’m not here about you, I’m here because I care about Mum, and I know she must be hurt that you don’t spend time with her, even if she doesn’t say so …’ She was interrupted by someone ringing the doorbell. Whoever it was that had knocked before was obviously keen to gain their attention. She looked at her father. ‘Are you expecting someone?’

William shook his head. ‘Of course not! I only dropped in to pick up some files.’ He made to walk out of the room, but Olivia was quick to react, leaping out of her chair and stepping swiftly between William and the study door.

She shook her head at him. ‘You’re not getting out of it that easily. Mavis can answer the door.’

‘No, she can’t,’ he said sharply. ‘I sent her on a message when I came in, so there’s only us here.’

The person who had rung the bell now kept their finger on the buzzer for a few seconds. Annoyed at the disruption, Olivia strode across the room and peered through the window. A man in RAF uniform was walking away from the front door. She turned to her father. ‘Too late, he’s gone, although I’m sure he’ll call back if it’s that important.’

‘He?’ questioned William.

She shook her head. ‘Never mind who was at the front door, you’ve more important things to worry about.’