‘It’s not a big deal, not really,’ I say, as we turn and walk into the swanky gym that Sadie is a member of. ‘I think I just let my imagination get the better of me. Seeing things that aren’t really there, you know.’ The photo of myself, gripping my bride-to-be sash, fear etched onto my face, swims in front of my eyes, and I shake it away. ‘Anyway, I’ve got a morning of yoga with you, so things can’t be all bad.’ I force a smile and make a show of pulling my hair up into a ponytail.

Sadie gives me a small smile in return. ‘Quite. Although…’ her face turns serious, and her voice lowers, ‘Rupert did also tell me about the letter you got. He said something about an ex-boyfriend… are you OK?’

‘Oh.’ I didn’t realize that Rupert had told anyone about that, and I don’t know how I feel about it. It’s hard to write something off as nothing when other people know about it. ‘Yes. Things ended badly between us… it was, well, it wasn’t a very healthy relationship, if I’m honest, and I was a bit concerned.’ I blink away the image of Harry’s hands looming towards my throat, his face twisted and ugly. ‘But I’m sure it’s fine. Probably just… I don’t know. A mistake. Or a prank. Hopefully.’ My face clouds over and I search for something to say to change the subject.

‘OK,’ Sadie eyes me closely, ‘well, if you want to talk about anything – I’ve had my fair share of relationship troubles, let me tell you – you know I’m always here. Me and Amanda. Although Amanda can be a bit prickly at times, so maybe don’t go to her if you want any sympathy. She literally is dead inside.’ Sadie laughs, a shrill tinkle, and I try to, but it sticks in my throat a little. I’m not sure I want to talk about it with anyone, if I’m honest.

The yoga class is busier than I was expecting, and I have to wedge myself into a tiny corner of the overheated room, behind Sadie. The other women all seem to have their own space that they occupy every week, so I try to slide in unobtrusively, not wanting to draw any attention to myself.

‘Do we have any new members today?’ the instructor calls out, a tiny woman with ropy arms and big calf muscles. I keep my head down, avoiding eye contact, but Sadie points to me with an, ‘Over here!’ and I sigh inwardly as I see the instructor start making her way across the floor, stepping over mats and bare feet.