‘The snag is,’ Isobel went on, ‘that I’ve no idea what Lorna really wants. Did she send Rory over just to upset our marriage, or did she secretly gamble that Giles would want to keep him because there’s actually no place for him in her present life? One thing’s certain, though. If she thinks I actually want him, she’ll keep him out of spite. I don’t know how to approach her at all.’

‘Ah. Well, I might be able to help you over that. I know from your father that Lorna told her senator that Rory was the child of her ex-husband. He has the highest political ambitions and an illegitimate stepson – especially involving scandal with a sister’s husband – would not be at all acceptable. I know this because Lorna wrote to your father when she got engaged to Brooke Congleton and told him so. She said it was very important any “uncertainty”, as she put it, about Rory’s paternity should not come out.’ Evelyn looked at Isobel over the top of her glasses. ‘I have that letter,’ she said. ‘Your father sent it to me just before he died.’

‘Evie! Are you suggesting I should blackmail Lorna?’

‘I’m not suggesting anything,’ said Evelyn firmly. ‘I’m just telling you something you might find it useful to know. What use you put the information to is entirely a matter for you and Giles. But think very carefully, Izzy. A lot depends on Giles. He needs to want this too, as much as you do and for the same reasons. And you have to accept that if he wants it, then you mustn’t become resentful because he does. It won’t be just one big altruistic gesture that gives you a satisfying virtue rush and then goes away. It’ll be every day for all of you. That might be more difficult than you’re prepared for, and if you make a mess of it Lorna will have put something over on you – and the child will be the loser.’

Isobel looked at her with troubled eyes. ‘I know, I know,’ she said. ‘That’s why I need advice. What do you think we should do? What do you think Pa would say?’