Marnie said she couldn’t imagine anything more wonderful. They sat with their arms round each other, savouring their new happiness, until it was time to wander up to the house for dinner.

Over coffee in the drawing room, they put their plan to Giles and Isobel who were full of enthusiasm and knew of an excellent small hotel in the area where they could stay. ‘It’s comfortable but not plush. I think you’d like it. Why don’t I get Sheila to ring first thing tomorrow morning and make a booking for you?’ Giles offered obligingly and received a sharp kick on the ankle from Isobel. Christopher saw it and with a twinkle in his eye said he’d be grateful to be given the telephone number but, thanks all the same, it would probably be easier if he made the booking himself. ‘I can give them my credit card details and all that,’ he said. He had no intension of discussing whether he and Marnie would require one room or two with Giles’s secretary. Giles grinned and let the matter drop.

They discussed the programme for the next day.

‘I’ve unexpectedly been offered a day at Islamouth tomorrow, by a godfather of mine,’ said Giles. ‘It’s the best fishing on the Tay, so it’s come at a wonderfully opportune moment and I thought Christopher and I might desert the rest of you. Now what would anyone else like to do?’

‘Could John and I go to Glamis?’ asked Morwenna. ‘If Louisa and Marnie feel like coming with us that would be lovely, but we’re quite happy to take ourselves there if not. We both very much want to see it.’ She looked questioningly at Louisa. ‘What about you?’

‘Well, you certainly mustn’t miss Glamis, but I’ve been there several times, so I think I won’t come this time, thank you all the same. I have a great yen to go back to St Andrews and visit old haunts,’ she said. She looked at Marnie. ‘I suppose you wouldn’t like to come with me, Marnie?’ she asked. ‘I think you’d love it. The old town’s so pretty and there’s lots to see. We could have a wonderful walk along the beach too, if it’s a nice day.’

Isobel held her breath, hoping Marnie would recognise that she was being offered a considerable olive branch.

Marnie hesitated for a moment. Christopher, watching her too, felt he could see her uncertainties flitting across her face like shadows. Then she gave Louisa her most brilliant smile. ‘Sure,’ she said. ‘Why not? While the guys are off fishing, let’s have a real girls’ day out. I’d really like that.’

‘Great,’ said Louisa. ‘Do you want to come too, Iz?’