But it was the lounge that really took their breath away. The cream and royal-blue scheme continued in here, but the furniture was huge. A sofa dominated the room. It was at least eight feet long, with very high back and arms. Its cushions were feather-filled and welcomed you as if cuddling you. Four matching chairs, which again were much bigger than ordinary armchairs, were placed so that wherever you sat, you were near to and facing the wonderful marble fireplace, which held a roaring log fire, flanked by a dazzling pine Christmas tree that gave off the wonderful smell of the forest it had come from.

Elegant marble statues of Roman women stood in each corner, and the occasional table that graced the centre of the room was also made of marble. Paintings that seemed authentic artworks by Old Masters graced the walls. At that moment Sibbie wished she knew something about art, in order to compliment Wills on them. But she didn’t try to; she simply enjoyed the magnificence of their presence.

For all this, Wills was just Wills, and he welcomed them as if he was doing so into a terraced house in the East End, in a lovely ‘make yourself at home’ way. And Sibbie thought him more handsome than she had previously, as his casual dress – slacks topped with a checked shirt and a knitted sleeveless pullover – gave him a rakish look. She could see the admiration and love in Marjie’s eyes as he greeted her with a hug.

After they had finished their lunch and were in the games room, and had each decided to challenge Wills to a game of chess, as he’d been boasting how good he was, Wills brought out the best surprise of the day so far. ‘Before we play, Marjie, I have further news for you. I have managed to get M to agree to you seeing your mama.’

Marjie screamed with joy. ‘Mama! Oh, Mama. How? When? Oh, Wills, why didn’t you tell me as soon as I came?’

‘I had to wait for privacy. With the staff taking your coats, then serving us drinks and our meal, it wasn’t something I could broach. But, darling, I can tell you that we are working to fix up a meeting. It can’t be at her home, as that might make someone suspicious.’

This alarmed Sibbie, and she could see how it shocked Marjie, but they said nothing, letting Wills continue.