‘Not very well,’ she says. ‘Philip brought me down to Max’s Passing Out Parade but that was light years ago. It was wonderful. You’ll have to show me round.’

Sam talks about Dartmouth, about how he’ll be going to the College in January, and Cara jokes about taking the flat so that he can visit her. He’s grappling with this sudden whole new take on his situation. He arrived slightly resenting Max’s sister’s presence, thinking he needed Max to himself, and now here he is, feeling quite elated by the prospect of introducing Cara to the South Hams and not particularly worried about Max going to Oxford.

He’s really enjoyed the evening: meeting Jack, who was great fun; being co-opted to sort out Cara’s housing problems. It isn’t at all as he’s envisaged it, but somehow his own problems have drawn back and cheerfulness is breaking in. So when Max appears looking rather serious Sam doesn’t feel quite as anxious as he might have done.

‘How’s Freya?’ he asks. ‘Is everything OK?’

Max grimaces. ‘She’s OK but Judith’s not very happy about leaving her. She’s having difficulty getting about, what with the ankle and the baby, and Poppy’s pretty full on. The thing is, Judith wasn’t prepared for quite such a long stay. She went on the train, so she didn’t take too much. She’s made a list of things and asked if I could drive them up.’ He looks at Sam. ‘I’m really sorry about this, Sam, but it’ll only be a few days.’

‘We were just talking about it,’ Cara says before Sam can answer. ‘We could stay here and look after Oscar, if you like.’

Max’s face lightens. ‘That would be great. If you’re sure?’

‘It’s fine with me,’ says Sam, trying not to look too enthusiastic. ‘We could do some house-hunting.’

Max sighs with relief. ‘That’s great, then. It seems a bit rude to invite people to stay and then walk out on them but if you’re both happy then I can go with a clear mind. I didn’t really want to take Oscar. The house isn’t very big and he’s just another complication. I’ll only be away three nights, four at the most, I should think.’

‘When will you go?’ asks Cara.

‘Monday morning. Sorry, Sam.’

‘It’s not a problem,’ Sam assures him. ‘If you’re OK with me staying …?’

‘Of course I am. You’ll be company for Cara and I shan’t have to worry about Oscar. Thanks.’ He holds up the list. ‘I’d better go and find some of this stuff.’

Sam hesitates for a moment and then decides to take the initiative.