Amy watches him. She has a very strong feeling that Sam is hoping that it will be the first option, and she likes him even more for not trying to influence her against Cosmo.

‘And if I walk out,’ she says casually, ‘will you be around somewhere? In case he follows me or something.’

‘I think that could be arranged,’ he says, imitating her casual tone. ‘You could just come straight up to Buckley Street or you could text. What time will you arrange to meet him?’

‘I’m working in Island Street this week,’ she says, ‘but I can take a coffee break. I’ll say that I’ll meet him at ten thirty before it gets too busy in the Coffee Shop.’

‘OK,’ says Sam. ‘I’ll be around. But just let me know if he convinces you he’s on the level and you plan to stay there for a while.’

‘I’ll do that,’ she says nonchalantly. ‘Thanks.’

‘You’re welcome,’ he says.

‘By the way,’ she adds, ‘what did you think of Judith’s idea of Cara buying their house? Has she mentioned it yet?’

‘I don’t know. I more or less dropped Cara off and came straight round here. I think it’s a bit cheeky, actually. My people have invited Cara to stay for a little while and I hope she’s going to take them up on it. I have a feeling there might be quite a ding-dong going on with Judith and Max. I was glad to keep out of the way, actually, so you’re doing me a favour.’

She laughs. ‘So would you like to stay to supper?’

‘Well,’ he hesitates. ‘I wouldn’t want to put you to any trouble. Can I buy you a drink? We could go to the pub.’

She shakes her head. ‘I don’t want to go out in case I bump into Cosmo, but you’re welcome to stay for a bit if you’d like to. Dad’ll be in soon.’

‘Thanks,’ he says. ‘I’d like that.’

‘Good,’ she says. ‘That’s great. I’ll send him a text and then we’ll have a drink.’

She feels calmer, ready to face Cosmo. She takes out her phone and begins to text him.

By the time Cara and Sam arrive back in Salcombe, Max’s nerves are stretched to snapping point. Judith has now fallen totally in love with her idea of selling the house to Cara and moving to Oxford. She’s shortlisted three properties and has completely convinced herself that she and Max will be doing Cara a favour.

‘She’s in such a dither,’ she said to him, ‘that it’s almost a kindness to make up her mind for her. And we’ll be able to come back here for holidays. It’s good for everyone.’