‘I telephoned earlier this morning to enquire about tracing my wife’s sperm donor, but I discovered you also have me listed on your books.’

Carstan Moller nodded. ‘That’s correct. I can discuss your request, but you’ll need to bring your wife with you to discuss her search.’

‘I know that now, Mrs Moller said. But the reason I’m here is to find out why you have my details. I’ve never been to your clinic before today.’

Moller held Ian’s gaze. ‘We usually offer counselling before a client begins a search for their donor,’ he replied.

‘That’s not my question. Why have you got my details?’

Moller drew his hands together and took a breath. ‘I would have thought that was obvious, Mr Jennings. You are on our books because you were conceived by donor sperm.’

‘No, I wasn’t!’

‘Your reaction is exactly why we recommend counselling first,’ Moller replied.

‘I don’t need counselling!’ Ian snapped. ‘Just the truth.’

‘I’m telling you the truth, Mr Jennings. You asked me why we have your details and I’ve given you an honest answer.’

Ian stared at him and felt his stomach loosen. ‘Edie Moller said it was a case of mistaken identity, but you’re now telling me that isn’t so?’

‘That’s right.’

Ian felt hot and clammy. ‘Are you saying my mother came here for treatment?’ he asked incredulously.

‘That’s correct. Although your mother and father came together, as do most couples.’

‘My mother received donor sperm?’ Ian asked, horrified.

‘That’s correct.’

‘And my parents came together, so my father knew?’

‘Yes.’

‘It’s definitely not a mistake then?’ Ian said, struggling to believe what he was being told.

‘No. The mistake was when my wife accidentally told you over the phone that you were on our books, for which we are both sorry. It was early and she’d just come into the office. She knows she must be more careful in future. It’s obviously come as a huge shock to you.’

Ian stared at Moller. ‘It has. My parents never said anything to me. Ever. My father is dead, but my mother knows I’ve been researching my genetic history. Why hasn’t she told me?’

‘I can’t answer that, but many parents don’t tell their children. You’d be surprised just how many people from Coleshaw and the surrounding villages have been conceived from donated sperm and are not aware of it. It’s more often that children aren’t told than they are.’

‘My wife grew up knowing,’ Ian said ruefully.

‘She is one of a small minority.’

Ian glanced distractedly around the room, then brought his gaze back to Moller. ‘Why did you have my wife’s married name and our current address?’