‘It’s also no wonder to me why Alex loved you and needed you so much. The most foolish of the things he did was his way of trying to protect you. When I took Jack to London with me, I had no idea he’d be bringing back such a treasure. Please allow me to envy him. I suppose you and he have had very little time to yourselves. Enjoy a quiet night together.’ Jack was waiting gloomily for Luke and Cordelia at the foot of the stairs. Alicia floated down to him and he guided her the last few steps.

‘Come with me,’ she said and led him into the dining room.

The table, an oval-shaped walnut piece, once belonging to the Dobles, was laid at one end for two people, food upon it.

‘What’s going on?’ he asked.

‘This is for us. You don’t have to go out.’

Careful to avoid her bulging middle, Jack hugged her, then grew sombre. ‘You’ve spoken to him? What’ll Luke think of me, not standing up for myself?’

‘Oh, you men.’ Alicia raised her eyes mockingly while taking his hands. ‘Just enjoy the quiet meal we’re going to have. We won’t have to listen to Luke rambling on about his plays or watch Cordelia making doe eyes at him. We can play master and mistress of this grand house.’

‘I wish it was our house, Alicia. I’d give anything to set you up in a place like this, just the two of us, and the baby.’

‘Well, she’s going to enjoy living here.’

‘You’ve made up your mind it’s a little maid then?’ Jack’s expression showed he was impressed and proud of her. He looked at the table. ‘You were sure you’d talk Luke round, weren’t you?’

‘Luke’s still a boy.’ Quite easy for her to manipulate. ‘One day, when he’s finally a man I hope he’ll see that Cordelia would make a good wife for him.’

She poured cordial for them both, raised her glass. ‘A toast to the baby, the success of Luke’s first play, and success for Cordelia in getting him to the altar.’

‘Aye,’ Jack agreed, then ventured, ‘And to us.’

Alicia met his steady gaze. ‘Yes, and to us, Jack.’

She played the charming hostess and attentive wife all evening.

When they were lying in bed, Jack, emboldened by her affection, kissed her goodnight on the cheek as he always did, then he kissed her lips and whispered in her ear, ‘Please Alicia, I’ll be gentle. We can arrange the pillows, I’ll be careful with my weight…’

Running a light finger down his face, she let him become aroused and allowed him to touch her and kiss her.

When he made his move, she restrained him with a hand pressed to his shoulder.