“I didn’t know that you were the book group host or that it was Nina’s old house. I was so grateful that Tamsin was friendly. I’d been worried about Lulu making friends, finding all the changes a struggle. I was going to get in touch with you eventually. I was waiting for the right time. I wasn’t sure how you’d react toward me.”

I don’t believe her.

“Well, what a coincidence,” I say. “You couldn’t make it up.”

Camilla freezes as a dog runs up to us, sniffing our feet.

“She’s scared of them,” I say, giving the owner an apologetic smile.

I wish I hadn’t said that because by showing Camilla that I remember little details about her, it reinforces the facade that we are great buddies with a rich and warm shared history.

As the Jack Russell is called away, Camilla takes the opportunity to break away from me and catch up with Stuart. No matter, I fall into step alongside Louise, hoping she’ll be a better source of information. But no, she is a closed book, just like her mother.

“Is your dad coming over any time soon?” I ask.

She shrugs.

“He must miss you.”

She doesn’t bite.

We walk for longer than I’d intended and get caught in heavy rain, mud making the journey back in the dying light tricky. We coax the younger children into bed after hot chocolates, another pizza dinner for them and a warm bath. While Louise is occupied watching a movie, Stuart, Camilla and I thaw properly over glasses of red wine.

“So, you became an architect...” says Stuart to Camilla.

The tone in which he says it is annoying because he sounds just a little too impressed. I don’t understand it. Anyone can be an expert in their chosen field, it’s how the world is. Designing houses and offices can’t be that difficult once you’ve mastered the art.

“Has the transfer from Canada to here been plain sailing?” he continues.

I don’t listen to her reply because dormant envy is worming its way into my consciousness. Two’s company, three’s a crowd. Stuart’s fascination with Camilla not only irks, it feels disloyal now that he’s aware of what she did. Old philosophies are usually the best, and right now, the whole “friends close, enemies closer” approach makes perfect sense.

“How about we meet up at the Christmas market and grab some lunch?” I say to Camilla. “I can invite some of my friends, it will help break the ice within a wider circle, give you a chance to meet others?”

Camilla looks as uninspired as I feel. She hesitates. “I’ll check my calendar and let you know, thank you.”

“Shall we order in a curry?” says Stuart. “I’m starving!”

“I’d better get Lulu home, thanks,” says Camilla. “I’d love for us to keep in touch. I need some tax advice. Do you work solely from home or are you office-based, too?”

“Both,” says Stuart. “I’ll give you my card.”

Great. Now, I need to keep an eye on Stuart’s work calendar, too. Camilla is desperate to get Stuart on her own and I need to know why. It can’t be anything favorable when it comes to me, or she’d be more upfront.