‘I know it’s weird, but I find peace or maybe as he would have said, solace from it.’

‘You loved him.’

She nodded. ‘He loved me and taught me that love is worth having. And importantly you show your love by what you do.’ She laughed. ‘If anyone else had tried to teach me that I would have sworn at them then stormed off – in fact I did do just that many times.’

‘Thank you for the flowers.’

‘A pleasure.’ She took a breath. ‘I feel connected to Old Tom when I do this.’ She held out her hand. ‘It’s been lovely to meet you.’

Diana took her hand and held it for a moment. ‘Good luck with your new job.’

‘Thanks,’ she said as she set off then turned and walked back. Out of her bag she pulled out a silver cigarette case.

Diana’s breath caught. She hadn’t seen one since she was a child. Opening it, Hannah pulled out a card. Diana smiled and noted that the case was engraved on the inside with one word: Always. ‘That’s beautiful and it makes good use of something that has gone out of fashion.’

Hannah grinned. ‘Yes, it was Old Tom’s and I keep it with me.’ She stroked it. ‘Even though he smoked a pipe when I knew him, this was in his pocket.’ She handed Diana the card. ‘If you want to reach me about the flowers . . . for any reason.’

‘Thanks.’ Diana watched her go then went to the gravestone. Picking up the bouquet, she breathed in the scent of the lilies and the roses. Her tears pooled on the petals. Someone had loved her father.

46. Lottie

46

Lottie

4 August 2018, 4.30 p.m.

Shoebox by shoebox, Lottie began going through Gran’s things. Black silk court shoes, flat ballet pumps with a ribbon bow, penny loafers, white sandals. All immaculate. But no more hidden photographs, lost letters or dinner party diaries. Aside from some truly beautiful shoes, there was nothing of interest. Lottie slipped on the silk court shoes. They fitted her perfectly. No doubt the gown they had been worn with was hanging protected in a garment bag. Had she waltzed in a Moscow ballroom under crystal chandeliers, whispering about diplomatic scandals?