‘Well, if you don’t mind I think I might spend the day catching up on a lot of boring chores.’ Isobel thought Louisa and Marnie would get on together much better without her. ‘I love St Andrews too but Ed’s obsessed with the wonderful Sea Life Centre there at the moment – you know what a one-track mind he has – so I feel as if I’ve flogged along that road rather a lot recently.’

Louisa laughed. ‘God, yes! I remember going there with you and the twins years ago. They adored it but I think perhaps Marnie and I might pass on that particular attraction this time.’

At that moment the telephone rang. Giles picked it up. ‘Oh, hi there – how are you? Good to hear you,’ they heard him say. ‘Yes indeed he’s still with us – of course you can. Hold on while I get him.’ He put his hand over the receiver. ‘For you, Christopher,’ he said. ‘It’s Jonathan Mercer. Do go and take it in the kitchen if you like.’

‘Thanks. I think I’ll do that,’ said Christopher coolly, though he felt like running across the hall. He was gone for quite a time. When he came back six expectant faces greeted him.

‘Well?’ said Isobel. ‘Dare we ask? Good news or bad?’

‘Fantastically good.’ Christopher beamed at them all. ‘I can’t believe it. On the strength of Jonathan’s recommendation his agent has offered to see me. He wants to meet me in London as soon as possible and though of course he’s not committing himself until he’s read it, he thinks on Jonathan Mercer’s say-so he may be able to find a publisher for Inside Knowledge.’ He looked at Giles and Isobel. ‘I don’t know how to thank you both. It all started with you and Catherine and the introduction to Jonathan.’

‘Nonsense,’ said Giles. ‘It all started with you. I’ve had five years of running courses like this tutored by either Catherine or Jonathan or both, and I assure you I’ve never known either of them react as they did over your book.’ He poured out a glass of whisky and handed it to Christopher. ‘Here, take this. You look as if you could do with it. You’ll have to promise to come and do a talk and a signing for us at Glendrochatt when it’s published.’

‘You bet I will!’

‘Oh, that’s so exciting! We’re all thrilled for you. Have you started a new book yet?’ asked Isobel.