This morning, instead of being elated that the millstone had been removed from her neck, she seemed oddly disconnected from everything around her.

Will’s old concerns flooded back. He stood at their bedroom window, staring out at Kate. She was up on the sea bank again, standing perfectly still and looking out across the muddy terrain. Elizabeth was clasped in her arms.

He looked away. He needed a distraction. He couldn’t keep watching her like this. Maybe he’d take a stroll down to Emilia’s cottage and do a quick walk round. It had been quiet at Little Anchor recently, and the cleaning company had done a great job of removing the graffiti. Now, from being adamant that she would never leave her precious home, Emilia had become reluctant to return. It was all wrong, another injustice that rankled in his head.

Will sighed. That would have to wait. God knows how long Kate would be out wandering the marsh, and the courier had not yet collected the package. He was marooned until they arrived.

He padded downstairs and tried to decide what job he could do that would please Kate, but before he could make a decision, the front doorbell rang. The courier. Good. He flung open the door and stared straight into the excited eyes of his niece, Sophie.

‘Uncle Will!’ She rushed forward and hugged him.

Will stood there holding her tightly. Absolutely terrified.

After stuttering out a greeting, he cast a furtive glance towards the sea bank. Fortunately, Kate was out of sight.

‘We’ve been trying to get you on the phone all the way from Lakenheath. I just couldn’t pick up a signal. Think my mobile is bust.’ Philip Fauve’s great hand was held out to Will. He grasped it and said, ‘Come in, please.’

They made their way to the kitchen. Philip said, ‘Sorry, Will, I couldn’t tell you sooner. Orders only came through late last night. Germany is off until next year — some problems at the German air base so they tell me — but I have to attend a couple of important meetings at the base in Suffolk, and they gave me special dispensation to bring Sophie. When I’ve finished with work, we have three days’ leave together!’

Their unexpected arrival had left him poleaxed. A pulse was throbbing in his neck, and all he could think of were Laura Archer’s words: no surprises. What could possibly upset Kate more than a child’s presence at Holland House?

His delight at seeing his lovely Sophie again was totally destroyed by fear of Kate’s reaction. He made his guests a drink and ran upstairs to see if his wife was anywhere in sight. It would be some twenty minutes at least before she might get back.