‘I don’t know about a best-seller – I haven’t even got accepted by a publisher yet!’ Christopher protested. He smiled rather wryly. ‘I used my enforced idleness at Her Majesty’s pleasure to try my hand at writing. Good to see you again too, Adam.’

‘We decided it was warm enough to have drinks out here,’ said Louisa, ‘and I thought Pimm’s would be nice and summery. That’s what Adam and I are drinking, anyway – or would you rather go straight on to wine?’

‘Pimm’s would be fine.’ He could see there was a big jug, ready mixed, full of ice and cucumber and fruit. Louisa poured him a very large glassful. ‘Here – steady on,’ he said.

‘It’s so exciting that Marnie’s found her famous castle,’ said Louisa. ‘I’m longing to hear all about it. I’ve been telling Adam the whole riveting saga.’

They chatted away easily and Christopher remembered again how much he’d always liked the other man. He couldn’t help noticing how often his eyes rested on Louisa with love and amusement and thought what a pity it was that they’d split up. After about half an hour Adam looked at his watch and stood up. ‘Well, I’m afraid I really must be off now or I’ll be late for this client I’ve got to see tonight,’ he said. ‘We must get together again soon, Christopher. I’ll be in touch. Let’s have that dinner that unforeseen circumstances prevented us from having three years ago and I’ll look forward to meeting Marnie. Louisa’s told me lots about her. I’m so very sorry I couldn’t stay to meet her this evening.’ He kissed Louisa. ‘I’ll see myself out and I’ll give you a ring tomorrow,’ he said, and was gone.

Christopher glanced questioningly at Louisa.

Louisa gave him an unfathomable look. There were spots of high colour on her cheeks.

‘Didn’t I tell you Adam couldn’t stay?’ she said. ‘Such a pity. Some tycoon who has to fly off somewhere early tomorrow or something and seems unable to cut his toenails without seeking Adam’s advice.’

‘No, you didn’t tell me,’ said Christopher, ‘but I’m sure the toenails will be exceptionally well trimmed.’ After a moment, he asked casually, ‘As a matter of interest, did you tell Adam that Marnie couldn’t come tonight either, Louisa?’

‘No,’ she said, looking him straight in the eye. ‘As a matter of interest, I don’t think I did.’ She added lightly, ‘Anyway, it’s lovely that you’re here now . . . so we’d better have something to eat, don’t you think? It’s all ready in the kitchen.’

‘Something to eat would be great,’ he said, ‘just so long as we both know that I have to go home after dinner.’