‘I’m sorry. I was just thinking I’d got it wrong.’

‘Why didn’t you answer me when I called you?’

‘I only just heard you. I was about to come out.’

Pru opened the door wide and stood to one side. ‘Well, don’t come in here again. This was Elizabeth’s room and Harry would be furious if he knew you’d been in here.’

‘I honestly didn’t realise,’ said Steph, hoping her nerves at being caught would be read as nerves for being told off. ‘I’d hate to make him angry. It was a genuine mistake. It must be very difficult for you all.’

Pru’s face softened and she let out the smallest of sighs. ‘It is. Such a beautiful young woman in her prime. Harry was devastated. We all were. I know it probably sounds a cliché, but she was the daughter I never had.’

‘I really am sorry for the intrusion.’

‘That’s enough now.’ Dominic’s voice interrupted their conversation and he too stepped into the room. ‘We don’t need to dwell on Elizabeth’s death. Come on, Mum.’ He put his hand on his mother’s shoulder and steered her towards the hallway.

Steph followed and Dominic closed the door behind them.

‘What did you want me for?’ Steph asked Pru.

‘Oh, yes. I wanted you to get the Daffodil Room ready. We’ve had a last-minute booking from one of the travel companies who are very influential in the industry. I want it perfect for when they arrive.’ She looked at her watch. ‘Which is in two hours.’

‘Leave it with me. I’ll do it straight away,’ reassured Steph.

‘Thank you.’ Pru paused. ‘I’m sorry if I sounded cross just now.’

‘It’s fine. I’m sorry. I got muddled up with the rooms. My fault,’ replied Steph.

‘Right, I must get on. Come and find me or Dominic when the room is ready, just so we can give it a quick once-over. I’ll be in my study.’

As Steph watched Pru disappear, she was aware Dominic was still standing next to her. She turned and went to step past him but he caught her arm.

‘Can I have a word?’ he said.

Steph looked down at his fingers wrapped around her forearm. She looked back up at him and although she was unnerved she wasn’t going to let him know that. ‘Would you mind not holding on to my arm?’

Dominic looked down at his hand, and for a moment Steph wasn’t sure if he was actually going to let go, but then he unfurled his fingers and released her arm. ‘My mother is a very dignified woman and far too polite to tell you herself, so I’ll do it.’