“That is my intention,” Megan said, reaching for another shoe. This time a Grecian sandal that had gold diamantés on the buckles and terracotta straps. “To make every woman feel special when they’re wearing Winter Shoes, no matter what else is going on in their life, they know that they can rely on these shoes to make them feel on top of the world.”

“And they certainly would in those,” Ralph said, indicating a pair of turquoise-coloured towering heels on the sofa beside Megan.

“Yes, I lovingly call these my Empire States,” Megan said, smiling. “They are in my range of extra highs, for those girls who like the additional inches.”

“Wow they’re big.” Ralph said. “But I like them.”

“It would take a bit of skill to walk in them,” Jayne said, smiling and mock-smacking his arm. “You wouldn’t be able to, Ralph.”

“Damn shame that.” Ralph clicked his fingers and tutted in mock disappointment.

Megan kept the grin on her face. This was the type of banter that made Ralph and Jayne such a hit with the morning viewing masses. It was corny but still, it was what people wanted, so it seemed.

“So what would you wear these with?” Jayne asked, returning her attention to Megan.

“Well they’d be perfect with jeans.”

“No, really?” Jayne looked overly shocked.

“Yes.” Megan glanced behind her, hoping to goodness the model would not only appear but also be able to walk in the purple shoes.

An elegant young woman with hair falling to her waist emerged from a red curtain then strutted down a narrow catwalk. She wore tight denims and a purple top that matched Megan’s highest shoes.

“Oh my,” Jayne said, “who would have thought?”

“Perfect, don’t you think? Shoes can brighten an ordinary outfit, make it extraordinary, make you feel extraordinary.”

The model jutted out her left hip and pouted at the camera.

“How do you feel?” Ralph asked the model.

She looked a little shocked for a moment, as if torn from her modelling into the act of being required to speak. “I, er…extraordinary.” She smiled at Megan. “These shoes are high but so wonderfully comfortable.”

“Are you sure?” Ralph asked, frowning. “They don’t look it.” He raised his foot, showing off a flat, black leather shoe.

“Oh yes, I could wear them all day,” the model agreed enthusiastically. “The insoles are so soft, padded almost.”

Megan could have wrapped the tall, skinny woman in her arms and kissed her. Instead she said seriously, “Yes, I have added extra padding for the balls of the feet. You know what they say? Painful shoes, painful expression. There is just no getting away from sore feet, it shows on your face.”

“And in your eyes.” Jayne shook her head and tutted. “Heaven knows I’ve worn some killers.”