‘It’s also close to some glorious countryside. I like to unwind by getting outdoors at the weekends. There’s nothing like fresh air and being in the Pennines to recharge after a manic week at work. I’ve got a bit of an addiction to canoeing. I love being out on the water.’

He raised an interested eyebrow as if she’d surprised him. To be honest, it surprised most people as she didn’t strike anyone as the sporty type. ‘Blame the children’s book, Swallows and Amazons. I was obsessed with it as a child.’

‘Fair enough. You ever done any sea kayaking? The coast here is perfect.’

‘No, I stick to nice gentle rivers and canals.’ What she really enjoyed was just being in the moment, enjoying the water without worrying about practical things like capsizing or crashing. Enjoying having the brain space to be fully present and aware of herself and her surroundings. She was quite happy pootling like a moorhen; she wasn’t into the adrenaline rush of white water. ‘Have you?’

‘Not for ages. Too busy. I did quite a bit when I was younger. Where I grew up we weren’t far from the beach. We had a little dinghy and would go out fishing, messing about on the water.’

‘Sounds idyllic,’ said Hannah, a touch enviously. Arthur Ransome’s Lake District set books had been her favourites as a child and she’d hankered for that idyllic sort of outdoor life, having grown up on a very suburban street.

‘Yes, there were four of us and we ran wild in the summer. You got any brothers or sisters?’

‘A sister. She’s just moved to Switzerland.’

‘Have you been there?’

‘Yes, in June for a long weekend. Where she lives is heavenly. Lots of wonderful walking, amazing views, clear air.’

‘A long way from Manchester then.’

‘Very.’ She couldn’t imagine ever moving to another country. It seemed such a leap into the unknown.

The tenderness and juiciness of the beef elicited another groan of pleasure which was quite unlike her, but it really was quite delicious. He insisted on her trying his meal and taking samples from her plate. It was a far cry from her aunt’s plain cooking at home in a kitchen that was so out of date it was almost a museum piece. She had to admit that sharing was a lot of fun. There was a certain intimacy in focusing solely on one other person, waiting for them to elicit their pleasure and taking your own pleasure in theirs. Her sister, who was always keen to introduce people to new tastes and ingredients, would get along well with Conor.

‘What are you smiling about?’

‘I was thinking of my sister. She’d approve of you. I can never keep her away from my plate.’

‘And what about you? Do you approve of me?’

‘Definitely not.’