She looked at him, at his kind eyes. She touched the gold band on his wedding finger. None of this was perfect. None of this was as she’d planned. But she had so much more than some. So much more than Anna.

Don’t go breaking my heart, Jim mouthed Elton’s words.

And when she heard the next line, Sylvia knew Kiki Dee was right. She just couldn’t.

AUGUST 2016 Montreux, Switzerland

JESS

From <[email protected]>

Darling Jess,

I’ve read your last email several times now and tried to make sense of everything you’ve discovered. I can’t fathom why Daniel didn’t tell you he was married to Anna, and what that means. I know you feel very frustrated and confused, maybe angry with him too. Remember you’re allowed to be all those things, Jess. I know how you beat yourself up about everything, but this is such an extraordinary situation, so just let yourself be whatever you need to be. It’s perfectly understandable that you couldn’t just confront Daniel when you saw him there. Wait until things settle in your head a little, and then maybe email him again? I think he owes you answers now.

I saw your father at the show the other night. I don’t think it was his cup of tea, to be honest, but he was tactful, as always, and effusive about my sets and that’s the main thing! He’s doing okay, getting through things in his own way. I know he’ll be glad when you’re back – as will I. And don’t worry, I haven’t said a thing to him about what you’ve discovered – that’s for you to do, if you wish.

Hang on in there darling, you’re making such good progress. Call me anytime.

All my love,

Maggie xx

‘Where’s maman?’

‘She’s gone to work already. So has your dad.’

‘But I want to give her this.’ Léa holds out a letter and I take it, knowing as I attempt to read it that I haven’t absorbed fluent French by osmosis over the last few weeks, much to my disappointment.

‘What does it say?’

‘I will play on Saturday and people can come.’

I see the signature is Madame Jeanneret and I know that’s the lady who runs the tennis course, a lithe woman in her fifties with short blond hair and rather severe black-framed glasses.

‘Like a tournament? Wow! Can I come?’

‘Oui.’ Lea nods. ‘And maman and papa. I want you all to come.’

‘And Luca?’

She frowns for a second and then nods. ‘If he wants.’

‘Good. We’ll all be there, I’m sure. I’ll put this in the kitchen and make sure your parents read it when they’re home from work, okay?’

‘Okay.’ She nods. ‘I’m going to beat Céline.’

‘Is she your arch rival?’

‘What is that?’