‘Trying to get in with you, is she?’ She grins at him. ‘And now you’re going to the opera together. Quick work.’

He sees that he’s been completely deflected from any attempts to find out about her evening and gives in gracefully. He studies the film guide. He needs to get a move on and book the seats. He glances at his watch. The booking office will be closed now so he’ll have to do it first thing in the morning.

‘It’s Thursday evening,’ he tells her.

They always let each other know when they have a date planned.

‘Sounds good,’ says Amy, uncurling herself from the sofa. ‘Actually, I might ask you for a lift. I’ve had a text from Charley suggesting a catch-up. You could drop me off in Totnes and pick me up after.’

For some reason Jack feels slightly put out – it won’t be quite the same with Amy in the car – but it’s tough having only one car and the van between them, and there’s no reason to refuse.

‘Of course,’ he says. ‘How’s Charley?’

He likes Charley. Amy met her at uni in Falmouth when they were both studying graphic art and despite the age gap – he guesses Charley must be in her late thirties – she and Amy became good friends. Charley grafts, and has a very laid-back outlook on life.

‘She’s OK,’ answers Amy. ‘Only she and Simon have broken up again. She calls it a trial separation but I think she’s gutted, actually.’

‘They’re always breaking up,’ Jack says impatiently. ‘Simon goes off and does another course on something, or some landscape gardening, and then the next minute they’re back together again. And then Charley gets an idea in her head and rushes off. They’re simply incapable of commitment.’

‘I know. It’s the way they are, but it sounds a bit more serious this time. Shall I say I can go over on Thursday evening, then?’

‘Of course,’ he says. ‘It’ll be good to see Charley again.’

‘And I can meet Cara,’ says Amy. ‘What about the godson? What’s he like?’

‘Sam? He’s a very nice lad. He’s joining the navy. Going to Dartmouth after Christmas. I was wondering whether to invite them all over for a drink. What d’you think?’

She looks surprised. ‘Why not? Max is always good value, though Judith’s hard work.’

‘Judith’s away. I just thought it might be friendly. Cara’s husband died earlier this year and she’s looking for somewhere to live. You might know a few places coming up for grabs. Anyway,’ he shrugs, as if it’s not that important, ‘it was just an idea. I’m off to bed.’

‘OK,’ she says, beginning to text. ‘We’ll make a plan. ’Night, Dad.’