He came to. Still standing, albeit stooped, Nina with her arm around him, a look he’d never seen in her eyes before.

Fear.

‘I’m calling Cathy,’ she said, guiding him over to a chair. He sank into it without protest, feeling his body slowly start to relax again, nerve ending by nerve ending. He knew the rhythm now. The pain built up in waves, whipping to a crescendo before dropping him like a body from a plane, no parachute.

‘I’m fine.’

‘Clearly not.’

‘She was here yesterday,’ he mumbled. ‘Just before you arrived. She ran the usual tests and there’s nothing more sinister at play. It’s just the concussion. It’ll pass. She’s told Måns what to watch out for, don’t worry.’

‘Well, I do. It’s irksome, but there you have it. It’s not like I’ve not got enough to think about, without worrying your head is going to explode at any moment.’ She sniffed. ‘God, that would ruin the rugs.’

Even through his pain, he managed a smile. ‘I’ll do my best to avoid the rugs, then.’

She rewarded him with a half-smile as she retrieved her drink from the side table and sank back into her chair, watching him. ‘What time is everyone coming?’

‘From now. Linus is down there, waiting for them.’

‘Hmph. Anyone would think he’s missed them. Sentimental little thing, isn’t he?’

‘If by sentimental you mean loving, then yes.’

Nina took a sip of her drink, staring at the ice cubes as they clattered gently. ‘It’s funny that the nanny didn’t come back.’

He looked at her, hearing the slice in her tone. ‘Funny ha-ha?’

‘A shame,’ she said. ‘I rather liked her. Thought she had spirit.’

‘She certainly has energy,’ he muttered.

‘What did you do to scare her off?’

‘I didn’t do anything.’ That was the truth, at least. He had done nothing. Let her go. Made her leave –

Nina arched an eyebrow. ‘Emil, please. I am not a fool,’ she drawled. ‘She clearly had an impact on you.’

‘How?’ he snapped. ‘In what way? What was the impact she had on me?’

‘Well, she seemed to bring up your . . . what’s the word? . . . anima.’

‘My what?’

‘You know, your life force. You seemed more alive whenever she was around.’

‘Nina, you can’t be more alive. You’re either alive or dead. There’s no –’ He stopped short. He was the living proof that there was a middle ground. ‘Look, if I seemed more lively, it was because Linus was here. She’s just the nanny. She was only ever supposed to be here for a few days to help Linus settle in, until he and I got to know one another.’

Her eyes narrowed interestedly. ‘You know, you always say that about her.’

‘What do I say?’

‘That’s she’s The Nanny. Just the nanny. Like it’s a spell, or something. As though reducing her to just her job will somehow diminish her. You’re not trying to lessen her impact on you, are you?’ She gave a contented smile, pleased to have circled her argument. ‘You forget I know you too well, little brother. You never could keep any secrets from me.’