The mood wasn’t entirely lighthearted between them, Eliza noticed. Their exchange was halted by Lawrence’s arrival.

‘Olivia’s unfortunately been delayed,’ he said to Eliza. ‘She’s asked me to bring you up to her office.’

‘We’ll organise that visit to my workshop whenever you’re ready, Eliza,’ Rory said to her.

‘Wow, fast work, Rory,’ Alex said. ‘Forget Puzzle World, Eliza. I’ll take you to my favourite nightclubs. Much more fun.’

She walked up the stairs beside Lawrence. The previous night she’d thought he was much older than her. Now, she saw he was in his late thirties, perhaps. The grey hair was deceptive.

‘It’s such a beautiful hotel,’ she said, needing to break the silence. ‘Have you been here long?’

‘Three years and four months,’ he said. ‘Nearly five.’

‘You’re counting down the days? Like a prison sentence?’

There was a flash of humour in his eyes. ‘Not quite that bad, I promise. Here’s Olivia’s office now.’

Her godmother finished a phone call and opened her arms. ‘There she is! I wasn’t imagining it! My darling goddaughter in our hotel. Thank you, Lawrence.’

Once they were alone, Olivia fired questions at Eliza. Was the bed comfortable? Had she slept long enough? Did the curtains block out enough light? Did she enjoy breakfast?

‘I feel like I’ve done a customer service questionnaire,’ Eliza said, smiling. ‘Everything is perfect.’

‘As it should be for you.’ Olivia came from behind her desk and reached for her coat. ‘And now, you and I are going shopping. For Maxie and Hazel’s wedding gift first, and then for you. I’m sure I still owe you a thirtieth birthday present.’

‘This trip is my birthday present.’

‘No, this is a long overdue visit.’

‘Olivia, before we go, I need to say something. About the email I sent you after we spoke.’

Olivia waited.

‘I know I should have asked you and Maxie so many questions long before now. It’s not that I haven’t wanted to know. It’s just . . .’ She faltered.

‘There’s no need to apologise, Eliza. We knew you’d ask when you felt the time was right.’

‘Will Maxie have time before she goes to New York?’

‘I know she will.’

‘You’ve asked her already?’

‘No, I haven’t breathed a word about you coming. But I know she’ll make time for you, of course.’

Olivia drove them into the city centre. The last time Eliza had been in Edinburgh, nearly fourteen years ago, it had been summer, the final days of the Fringe festival, the streets still crowded with performers, people giving out flyers. It was a different city now. Quieter, but still beautiful. She loved the distinctive sandstone of the buildings. The green hills unexpectedly visible in the distance. Modern architecture alongside centuries-old buildings. The Castle rising high above it all.