‘Iris has told me everything,’ said Errol, breaking the heavy silence. ‘The whole story. You are an incredible woman.’

‘Thank you but I don’t need flattery, just a little help.’

‘I wish I could.’

‘You can. You just choose not to.’

‘I could go to jail.’

They saw Iris heading back from the ladies’ and stopped talking. Iris looked from one to the other.

‘Everything OK?’

‘I’m sorry, Iris. I am unable to help in the way you really want,’ said Errol. ‘Maybe there will be another way.’

‘What do you mean?’ asked Kate. Try as she might, she was unable to keep the scepticism out of her voice.

‘This island, it is a special place. Sometimes I feel it can perform miracles.’

Yeah, great, thought Kate, and knew it was pointless pressing him any further.

Later, Errol drove them back to the hotel. Kate got out the car and waited for Errol to help Iris. He and Iris spoke privately before he drove off with a wave.

‘What was that about?’ murmured Kate as they watched him disappear out of the hotel grounds.

‘He was wondering if I might be able to meet for dinner again one night,’ said Iris. ‘Before we go home.’

Iris was looking at her hopefully. Kate smiled. ‘You don’t need my permission.’

‘No . . . but we’re here together. And for a particular reason, that Errol is unable to help with. I feel . . . traitorous.’

‘Don’t,’ said Kate quickly. ‘Don’t feel that.’

‘Sometimes I’m quite angry with him . . . But I do so enjoy his company. It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed a man’s company so much.’

Kate smiled. ‘I do believe this is what they call a holiday romance.’

Iris blushed. ‘Don’t be daft.’

Iris met with Errol not once but twice more before they went home, and on the last time tried again, but Errol just repeated his sorrow at not being able to help.

She and Kate packed their bags and Magic took them to the airport. On the plane, Iris put her hand over Kate’s. ‘You did your best, love. More than your best.’

Maybe, thought Kate, but it hadn’t been good enough. I’m sorry, Becky.

Both women were quiet on the flight back to London. The taxi took Iris home first. Kate saw her inside and helped her unpack.

‘Kate, I can’t thank you enough. You’ve made an old woman very happy.’

‘I’m just glad you came. Are you going to stay in touch with Errol?’

Iris didn’t answer immediately, then shook her head. ‘No. It was wonderful meeting him and, in another time, a younger time, things might have worked out differently. But he’s so far away . . . and a little part of me can’t quite forgive him. For not helping.’

Kate put Iris’s empty suitcase back on top of the wardrobe. ‘There. Till the next one, eh?’

‘Thanks, love. Are you getting a cab home?’

‘I’ll get the bus.’