Rupert’s first instinct is to reply that of course she doesn’t know how he’s going to react, if she won’t just bloody tell him what it is that’s got her so worried. But he bites the words back, reminding himself that she’s not Caro. She can’t read him like a book, the way Caro used to. Not yet anyway.

‘I don’t know, maybe I’m just being silly… but I really don’t think I am.’ Emily shifts in her seat and looks away. ‘I am a bit worried that… well, that someone isn’t very happy about the two of us being together.’

‘What do you mean, someone isn’t happy about us being together? This isn’t about Mags, is it? She hasn’t upset you again?’ Rupert feels a familiar prickle of annoyance. He thought they were done with all of this. He was relieved when Emily hadn’t invited her trouble-making friend to the wedding.

‘No, it’s just…’ A deep red flush is staining Emily’s cheeks, and she fidgets in her chair, clearly uncomfortable. ‘I’m worried that people think I’m only after you for money – which I’m not – you know that, right?’

Rupert nods. ‘Of course I know that, but who cares about what anyone else thinks?’

‘I got a letter,’ Emily blurts out, ‘calling me a bitch. I don’t know who it was from, but it was in a bundle of post. I don’t know if it was sent to me at the flat or sent to the house. Our house.’

‘Jesus.’ Rupert sits back and shoves a hand through his hair. ‘Why didn’t you tell me? Have you still got the letter?’

‘No,’ Emily shakes her head, ‘I threw it away. I didn’t want to worry you, that’s why I never said anything. Harry called me that once or twice.’ She looks down and Rupert sees a tiny damp spot on the tablecloth where a single tear has fallen. ‘I got a text message, the night of my hen party, saying pretty much the same thing. And then some hideous woman was in the loos at the wedding, saying I was basically a gold-digger. I love you, Rupert, I just want to be with you. I don’t understand who would want to say these awful things to me.’

‘It sounds to me like someone is a bit jealous, that’s all.’ Rupert takes her hands in his. ‘It’s nothing to worry about, and I certainly don’t care what other people might think. We know this is the real deal. You and me, we’re the only people who matter.’

Emily nods, but says nothing.