He remembered a conversation in the early days of his infatuation with Nicola. He had been perversely trying to goad his mother into criticising her – something she had steadfastly refused to do – so that he could have the satisfaction of arguing with her. His mother had been infuriatingly resistant to his provocative needling, but had eventually silenced him with a question of her own.

‘If you look at Nicola’s face, are you moved?’ she had asked suddenly.

‘Moved? Moved by desire, do you mean?’ he’d hedged, deliberately misinterpreting her.

‘Of course I’m not talking about desire. Don’t be stupid, Christopher. I’m talking about emotion. Does she move you?’

‘Oh, Ma!’ he’d said irritably. ‘You do talk in riddles sometimes. I really don’t know what you’re talking about.’

But of course he had known very well. Now, he thought, if she asked me the same question about Marnie, my response might be different. Marnie does move me. But I mustn’t get carried away, he thought. He couldn’t fail to be aware that Louisa was interested in him and he certainly didn’t want to hurt her, though he didn’t for a moment think it represented anything more serious than an invitation to enjoy a flirtation, possibly leading to a light-hearted affair. He had no doubt that an affair with Louisa would be enormous fun – that word that Nicola set such store by – but it wasn’t what he wanted any more. Perhaps they could all three just become good friends.

‘Why don’t I take you and Marnie out one evening next week?’ he said to Louisa. ‘I can’t offer to drive, but I’d love to treat you both to a really good dinner somewhere. I gather you’re staying on and Isobel’s persuaded me to stay too. I’m looking forward to it – I don’t feel ready to say goodbye to everyone here so soon after meeting them.’ Louisa wondered if this was to be taken at face value, or was it a veiled hint that he was really referring to Marnie – or did he mean herself?

‘We might get Morwenna and the Colonel to come with us too,’ he went on. ‘Nudge their budding romance on a bit.’

‘Are they having a romance?’ Louisa looked surprised.

‘Not yet, perhaps – but I think they might . . . given some encouragement.’

‘Well lucky them,’ said Louisa, laughing. ‘I have to say I hadn’t cast you in the role of Cupid, Christopher, but who knows what romantic situations might develop in another week? Anyway, it’s a lovely idea,’ she went on. ‘How good that you’ve decided to stay for the extra week too. That will be fun. Let’s suggest the plan to the others then.’ But at that moment Isobel got up and brought the lunch party to a close, so the conversation ended there.