Naturally, Aiden had jumped in to rescue me at that point. I think he was feeling guilty as everyone else had avoided saying the things that only Hannah was brave enough to voice.

‘Fern has spent our entire married life either studying, working or supporting me on the charity side of things. She’s always been there for everyone, you both know that. She’s never really taken any time for herself.’

It was a cop-out and I’d puzzled over why Aiden hadn’t simply told them the truth, that this wasn’t about me at all. I was simply falling into line with his plan, in the hope that he’d come back refreshed and ready to move forward together. But the idea of a once-in-a-lifetime break away was growing on me, too. I was beginning to get a little excited about attending classes taught by artist Nico Gallegos.

‘I’m just a bit surprised you couldn’t find something you both enjoy doing,’ she’d declared. ‘You guys do everything as a couple.’ It was a statement we couldn’t refute.

Before I could even think of a response, Aiden took over again.

‘Can you see your sister living out of a rucksack? I’ll be backpacking and working down that list of places I never thought I’d get to explore. I’m hoping to do a stint of voluntary work to begin with and that, too, won’t be luxury accommodation. It’s a big old world out there. Change presents opportunity, and this is a one-off chance of a lifetime.’

I noticed that he hadn’t mentioned my fear of flying. Or the fact that I could never step foot on a boat. Something over which I have no control and he’s had to learn to live with. We’ve always had driving holidays and Aiden accepted the limitations because he loved me.

Owen had nodded then. ‘Well, good luck to you both, guys, and I hope you come back the better for it.’

We knew Owen would understand, being a man of action and few words. But Hannah, well, she wasn’t convinced.

‘But… but… this is weird. Married people don’t take a year off from each other.’ She was upset and maybe even a little scandalised.

Inwardly I’d groaned, but thankfully my lips had stayed sealed until something suitable had popped into my head.