Which is why she found herself seated in a Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside, sipping an exquisite Riesling.

James raised a glass. ‘Cheers. To old friends.’

Clare reciprocated and, looking around her, said, ‘This place is lovely. How did you find it?’

‘Oh, I’ve brought clients here once or twice in the past. For lunches mainly, but the food is always very good. You’ve been down here a while now. I’m surprised you haven’t discovered it yourself.’

Clare flushed. ‘I don’t eat out as much as I used to.’ And she could have added, When I do it’s more likely to be at the little cafe at the end of my street than in a swanky restaurant. She lowered her voice and inclined her head in the direction of the menu. ‘And this is a bit out of an archaeologist’s price range.’

‘Well, this evening none of that is your concern. I’m going to make sure you have the best of everything. You deserve it after everything you’ve been through.’ He paused. ‘It really is lovely to see you, Clare. And you’re looking so well. So whatever the pay’s like, life in the trenches must suit you.’

She lifted her glass in recognition of the compliment but swiftly deposited it from whence it had come as she became uncomfortably aware of the contrast between her own work-worn fingers and his plainly manicured hands. ‘Well, thank you, kind sir.’

It was clear to Clare that life was treating James exceedingly kindly at the moment. When he and Stephen had worked together he’d always been well presented, but this evening he was immaculately dressed in what was undoubtedly a hand-tailored suit. And he’d arrived to pick her up in a Lamborghini, the like of which she suspected the quiet cathedral city had rarely seen. With his lightly tanned complexion and what she’d lay good money on being handmade brogues, he looked every inch the man about town. When they’d entered together they’d turned every head in the place. And it was rather a treat to be the centre of attention for all of the right reasons for once.

Clare took a bite out of her shellfish torte. ‘Oh my God, James, this is amazing.’

He smiled. ‘I’m glad you’re enjoying it.’

‘So what have you been up to since we last met? You seem to be doing rather well for yourself if that car of yours is anything to go by.’