‘Both, actually. You, on the other hand, don’t seem too OK.’ He nodded in the direction of Dominic, who was still standing outside, taking the opportunity to smoke a cigarette.

She straightened up and smoothed out her hair. ‘I’m fine. And you’ll be pleased to hear, your mother-in-law is on her way back home.’

He could tell by the look she gave that she was less than impressed with the way things had been handled. ‘I’m not as heartless as you think,’ he found himself explaining. ‘I used to have a very good relationship with Sonia, but she’s taken her daughter’s death – my wife’s death – very badly. I’m in a position where I can no longer help her. She needs professional help and that’s way out of my comfort zone.’

‘When I was told I was coming here for the weekend and did my research, I was surprised that you were going to be here. It must be difficult for you too.’

Harry didn’t answer immediately. He was surprised by his reaction to this journalist’s questions. Normally, if anyone outside the family spoke about Elizabeth and her death he felt compelled to end the conversation there and then. Yet here he was, having to quell the urge to open up to her. Before he could form a response, the closing of the main door and footsteps on the tiled floor caught his attention. He looked beyond the journalist to see Dominic walking towards them, one hand casually in his trouser pocket, the other tucking his phone into his breast pocket.

‘Sorry, am I interrupting anything?’ said Dominic, a faux smile on his face. ‘I hope you’re not giving this young lady an exclusive.’ Dominic gave a tight smile in an effort to hide his annoyance, but Harry wasn’t fooled and, judging by the expression on Steph’s face, neither was she.

She gave a quick smile at Harry. ‘I’d better get back. I need to get one of those info packs before they all go.’ She glanced at Dominic and then disappeared back through the double doors and into the hubbub of the reception.

‘That was a bit unnecessary,’ Harry said. ‘I was just thanking her for seeing to Sonia.’ OK, that wasn’t quite the truth, but he didn’t need to share everything with his brother.

‘Do you know her?’

‘No. I spoke to her for the first time about ten minutes ago. Why, what’s up?’

Dominic gave a shrug. ‘Nothing, probably. I just thought she looked familiar. Stephanie Durham from Vacation Staycation?’ He looked at his brother.

‘Nope. Still doesn’t mean anything. Other than the Vacation Staycation site. They’ve got a good social-media presence – maybe you’ve seen her on Twitter or something.’