‘You’re right,’ agreed Electra.

I looked at Ally and wished that I could find the right words – as she always seemed able to do – to rally our sisters.

By the time Georg returned, the champagne had relaxed us all a little. He sat back down and placed six thick cream-coloured vellum envelopes on the table. ‘These letters were lodged with me approximately six weeks ago. And in the event of your father’s death, I was instructed to hand one to each of you.’

We all eyed them with equal amounts of interest and suspicion. ‘May I have a refill of champagne, as well?’ asked Georg in a voice that sounded strained.

I realised then how difficult all this had to be for him too. Telling six grieving daughters of their father’s unusual legacy would have taxed even the most pragmatic individual.

‘Of course, Georg,’ Marina said, as she poured a glass for him.

‘So,’ said Ally, ‘are we meant to open them now, or later, when we’re alone?’

‘Your father made no stipulation on this point,’ Georg replied. ‘All he said was that you should open them whenever each of you is ready and feels comfortable to do so.’

I studied my letter. My name was written in the beautiful script I knew intimately as my father’s writing. Just the sight of it made me want to weep.

We all looked at each other, trying to work out how everyone else felt.

‘I think I’d prefer to read mine privately,’ said Ally.

There was a general murmur of agreement. I knew that, as usual, Ally had instinctively read our collective feelings correctly.

‘So, my job is now done.’ Georg drained his glass, then reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out six cards, which he distributed around the table. ‘Please don’t hesitate to contact me, any of you, if you need my help. And rest assured I’ll be available to you day and night. But I’m sure that, knowing your father, he will have anticipated already what it is that you might all need. So, now it is time for me to leave you. Once again, girls, my condolences to you.’

‘Thank you, Georg,’ I said. ‘We all appreciate your help.’

‘Goodbye.’ He stood and nodded to us all. ‘You know where I am if you need me. There’s no need to see me out.’

We watched him leave in silence, then I saw Marina rise from the table too.

‘I think we could all do with something to eat. I’ll tell Claudia to bring supper out here,’ she said and disappeared inside the house.

‘I’m almost frightened to open this,’ said Tiggy, fingering her envelope. ‘I have absolutely no idea what it contains.’

‘Maia, do you think you could go back to the armillary sphere and translate the quotations on it?’ asked Ally.

‘Of course,’ I said, seeing Marina and Claudia walking towards us with plates of food. ‘After supper, I will.’

‘I hope you guys don’t mind, but I’m not hungry,’ said Electra, standing up. ‘I’ll see you later.’