“Yes, and Darjeeling, Earl Grey and some herbal varieties. The Moët & Chandon is on ice.”

“Super. Very organized,” Matilda said. “I’m so glad Medusa gave me my reference, before she—”

Liv fixed her with a stare. “Really?” she said.

“Anyway, I’m starting a new job tomorrow, a permanent role at Alchemy.”

“Congrats. What will you be doing?”

“Working in branding, turning water into wine, that kind of thing. Not everyone has the genius to buy Jo Malone candles for the interview panel. Reach out if you ever need any advice, with your PA stuff, or cleaning, or whatever it is you do. Actually,” she said, frowning. “What are you going to do now?”

Liv didn’t have any proper plans yet. “I’ll probably help out with my husband’s family business for a while. I’ve been offered a role at the Museum of Writing,” she said.

“Cleaning or secretarial work?” Matilda said.

“Actually, neither.”

“Hmm, shame.” Matilda sipped her tea. “Not everyone has experience in communication and organization and diary keeping and administration.”

Liv exaggerated a jaw drop. “Matilda Hennessy,” she said, “did you just pay me a compliment?”

Matilda took out her phone and used the screen as a mirror. “Maybe. Now, I should go.”

“Stay for tea. I think Essie would like that.”

Matilda smiled tightly. “I doubt that very much, but I’m guessing there’ll be useful people for me to meet...” she said.

As she swept away, Marlon entered the room. He wore checked suit trousers with a biker jacket and an orange gerbera pinned to his lapel. He kissed Liv’s cheek and his usual booming voice was sombre. “It’s such a shock, Liv, a damn shame. I’ve read Essie’s latest manuscript and loved it. Who knows what she’d have written next?” He stopped talking and glanced across the room as Ted, Hank and Sven filed inside.

Sven’s eyes narrowed when he saw Marlon, but he strode over and outstretched his rose-tattooed hand. Marlon returned his handshake gratefully. They set aside their previous grievances for Essie’s sake and sat down together.

Hank wore black jeans and a green shirt unfastened at the neck. “Hey, Liv,” he said, stifling a yawn after his flight from LA. “I had to come and say goodbye to Ess. I still can’t believe she’s gone.” He pulled her toward him and held her tightly until Jake gave a small cough.

Liv pulled away. “Hank, this is my husband, Jake,” she said.

Hank stuck out his hand. “Hey, man. Cool to meet ya.”

“You, too,” Jake said. He leaned over to speak in Liv’s ear. “Good luck. Everything looks great. Call me when you want picking up.”

Ted stood ramrod straight as he surveyed the scene. He brushed his hand through his white hair several times. “Good afternoon, Olivia. It’s such awful news,” he said. “I’m truly sorry.”