‘I’m actually unemployed,’ Eliza said. ‘I was made redundant two weeks ago. I was a conference organiser for nine years. But the company was sold and we were all let go.’

‘I’m sorry to hear that,’ Sullivan said. ‘Best of luck job hunting.’

‘So you’re having a holiday in the meantime?’ Judith asked.

‘That’s right,’ Eliza said.

‘Have you been to Edinburgh before?’ Sullivan asked.

‘Once, when I was sixteen. Fourteen years ago.’

‘It’s a charming city,’ Sullivan said. ‘Beautiful architecture and gardens. If you need any sightseeing tips, please do ask. I haven’t been to Manchester unfortunately, Judith, but I presume your daughter and son-in-law will have places to show you, if the twins allow them out of the house at all.’

‘I don’t want to see the city. I want to see the babies.’

‘And so you will, in less than twenty-two hours. Look, nearly half an hour has gone by already. Would you both play I-Spy with me? I know it’s a child’s game but it does pass the time.’

He was so earnest, so eager, it was impossible to say no.

During their fifth round of I-Spy the flight attendant came back, pushing the drinks trolley.

‘Don’t risk it,’ Sullivan advised Judith. ‘I know the first one steadied your nerves, but the second will begin to distort reality. You don’t need it.’

‘How do you know that? How old are you?’

‘Seven weeks from being twelve. My mother’s a psychologist, specialising in addiction therapy. She sees her patients at home. I like to eavesdrop.’

‘Does she know?’

‘No. She’d soundproof her office if she did. I don’t do anything with the information. I just store it up. I might be a psychologist when I’m older. Or a surgeon like my father. I haven’t decided yet.’

He enthusiastically shared details of his father’s recent operations. He was a world leader in reconstructive surgery, he explained. Two of his operations were available on YouTube. He offered to use the onboard wi-fi to show them. They declined.

It wasn’t until after their first meal was served that Eliza’s companions left her in peace. To her left, Sullivan began watching what appeared to be a program about ring-tailed lemurs on the wildlife channel. To her right, Judith began what she announced would be a ‘bungee-watch’ of Downton Abbey.

Eliza put on her headphones, selected a film at random and stared at the screen as though she was watching it. She wasn’t.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Until now, Eliza hadn’t had a chance to think about anything beyond the imminent flight. Her final days at the office had been so busy there’d been no time for anything but work matters. The new company’s representatives had arrived the day after Gillian’s announcement, professional and relentless in their questions. She’d shown them every process, file and conference plan, all the while fighting the realisation that she was leaving her safe, organised, constant routine behind her.

Packing up her house had been straightforward, at least. Rose offered to store her books and other belongings and take good care of the plants, bowls and vase. She’d also asked if she could hang the framed photo of Eliza with her mother and godmothers in her house, rather than store it away.