“I know it well, sir.”

Three-quarters of an hour later, Laurence was letting them into the house. He put their luggage on the elevator and they rode up two stories. “You’ll have your own room,” he said.

“That’s very considerate,” she said, “but unnecessary.”

They turned in together and fell quickly asleep. She woke him in the morning, and the ravishing was accomplished.

—

LAURENCE’S MOTHER had breakfast waiting for them, and he made the introductions. “Theresa, this is my mother, Dorothy, who likes to be called Dot.” The two women got on well immediately.

“Derek had a good night and will be walking around today,” she said. “I’ve hired a private nurse to help him in the country. His private insurance pays for part of it.”

“Don’t worry about the money,” Laurence said. “Dad left me well fixed.” Somehow, he didn’t feel ready to tell them about the lottery. He hadn’t told anyone, so far, and he wasn’t sure how to handle it.

“I didn’t know he was all that well off.”

“He made some very good property investments in Palm Beach.”

“Good for him, and good for you. I’m relieved that you can help. Derek has always made a lot of money in advertising, but he’s spent most of it in living well. I expect he’ll sell out to his junior partners, and that should see us right. We might have to part with some property, though.”

“Don’t worry your head about it.”

“Why don’t you and Theresa drive down to the country today or tomorrow and settle into the cottage? You can take Derek’s car and have some time together.”

“Tomorrow, perhaps. I want to make sure you’re all right here.”

—

LAURENCE TOOK THERESA shopping at Harvey Nichols and bought her some clothes and a new suitcase to hold them, then, the following morning they set out for Berkshire in Derek’s Aston Martin Rapide, a four-door sedan with just room enough for their luggage. After an hour’s drive, Laurence drove through the gates to the property, which was called Westward Ho!, past the handsome main house and to his cottage. Theresa found it completely charming.

—

TWO DAYS LATER, his mother arrived, driving her Jaguar XJ with Derek in the passenger seat.

“You look very good,” Laurence said, giving him a hug.

“Just a little tired,” Derek replied. “One more good night’s sleep, and I’ll be fit.”

“Don’t rush it.”

They dined at home, on a dinner prepared by a local cook who served them most weekends at the country house. Derek excused himself before dessert, and Laurence helped him to his bed.

“It’s good to see you, kiddo,” Derek said, as Laurence tucked him in.

“You too.”

“All this happened a little before I was ready for it, you know.”

“I guess it’s always that way.”