Back in the kitchen, he hugged the little girl and told her how thrilled he was to see her, meanwhile flashing Philip a worried and apologetic glance. He wasted no time but began to explain the situation.

‘Kate is very ill, Philip, and as much as I’d love you to stay with us here, it’s just not possible. I’m so very sorry, I—’

‘Hey, no sweat, Will. I remembered what you said about Kate, so we’ve booked into that big motel on the roundabout just outside of town. I know this all seems very strange, but Fran’s having a minor op this week, nothing serious, but Annette’s going to be pretty tied up looking after her, so since I have to be here, we grabbed the chance to let Sophie see a bit of her mum’s home country. We knew you might be busy, but if we could see just something of you when I get back from my meetings, that would be great. Okay?’

That was a start. Will felt relieved. At least the child wouldn’t be staying at Holland House. He would have to go out to spend some time with them. Kate would surely go along with that, maybe even be pleased to be alone for a while. He wondered if he should allow her to come home and find them there, or make sure he told her of their visit before she met them. He was pretty sure that whatever he chose to do would be wrong, but Philip took the decision out of his hands.

‘And, I’m sorry to say that this is a flying visit too. I have to get up to RAF Waddington by two o’clock to meet with some of my superiors prior to our conference. We’ll stay over at the motel tonight and return to Suffolk tomorrow morning. The conferences will be through by Friday, then I’m taking Sophie to London for a day before coming back here on Sunday. We can then spend a couple of days with you in this neck of the woods, if you can spare the time?’ He lowered his voice. ‘Sophie really wanted to see you again. You’ve become very important to her, especially since she saw you in Canada.’

The little girl had hardly spoken. She had taken Will’s hand and hadn’t let go all the time they were talking.

He smiled fondly at her. ‘You bet! I can’t wait.’ He told her he wished with all his heart that she could stay with them, but that Auntie Kate was not very well at all. Perhaps when she was better, they could all have a proper holiday together.

The child’s eyes shone with excitement. ‘Can we, Uncle Will? Uncle Philip?’