‘You’re no fun.’

‘I don’t have to be fun. I’m here to work.’

A few minutes passed before Celine spoke again.

‘Why don’t you and Lawrence get together? He’s almost tall enough for you. He doesn’t have a girlfriend. I asked him. He’s probably never had a girlfriend in his life.’

‘Celine, please, I’m trying to concentrate.’

‘Or one of my grandsons instead. Though they’re as useless as each other. This place will go to the dogs if either of them ever takes over.’

When Eliza ignored that too, Celine turned the TV up loud. Her shouted insults at a daytime soap opera provided a surprisingly entertaining soundtrack.

At one p.m., Eliza told Celine she was going for lunch. The older woman turned her head, continuing to watch TV at full volume. Eliza had reached the door before she spoke.

‘Club sandwich. Wine. Tell them to send it up.’

‘No, Celine. Ring and order it yourself. And say please.’

‘Bossy cow!’ was ringing in Eliza’s ears as she went down the corridor.

*

‘Eliza!’

Sullivan stood up from the sofa in the foyer and gave her one of his great smiles. He was wearing a well-ironed white shirt and what looked like new jeans. He took her hand and pumped it like a little enthusiastic businessman. ‘It’s so good to see you again.’

‘You too, Sullivan,’ she said. She meant it.

‘That’s Ann-Marie there,’ he said, pointing over at a young woman on the phone nearby. Eliza recognised her from the airport. She finished her call, came over and was introduced.

‘Let’s go through to the dining room,’ Eliza said to them both.

‘Oh, I’m not joining you,’ Ann-Marie said. ‘I’ll collect Sullivan again at three.’

‘Three?’ Two hours away.

‘Sullivan said that’s what you’d agreed.’

‘I’ll be so well-behaved, Eliza,’ Sullivan said quickly. ‘If you’re busy, I really can sit quietly and read.’

Eliza gave in. ‘Three p.m. is great, Ann-Marie, thanks.’

‘Shall we make it four?’ Sullivan said. ‘That will give Ann-Marie plenty of time to do her work.’

Eliza gave in again.

An hour later, they both put down their linen napkins. She’d expected to find it difficult keeping a boy Sullivan’s age entertained over lunch. Instead, they’d had an interesting conversation about Edinburgh. He knew lots of facts. He also had excellent table manners.

‘My expensive schooling,’ he said, when she remarked on them.

Olivia came to say hello. ‘You were so kind to Eliza on the flight, Sullivan. Thank you.’

‘Anyone in my position would have done the same,’ he said. ‘Do you need to speak to Eliza? I’ll visit the bathroom and give you some privacy.’ He hopped down off the chair and left them alone.

‘Did I imagine that exchange?’ Olivia asked.

‘That was mild, believe me.’