‘Yup. Not ideal, I know. But it draws a line under the whole sorry business, with no question of pressing charges, and of course I shall be on full pay. It means I can work like a fiend and devote more time to you.’

He was smiling in the new, determined, defensive way that felt so difficult to counter. Be positive, Heidi reminded herself, it was what was required and what she supposedly excelled at. ‘But this press attention, tell me…’

‘Oh, it was just a local flurry. A small article. Leaked by Moira’s father, is our guess.’

‘Moira’s father? Why do you think he would do that?’ Lucas’s expression seemed to freeze for a moment. ‘I mean, wouldn’t any father want to protect his child from the spotlight in such a situation?’ Heidi persisted, frowning as she thought of her own, close family. ‘If it is true, it is horrible, Lucas.’

‘I couldn’t agree more, but who knows what anyone’s true motives are for anything?’ Lucas spoke energetically, reaching for the champagne that had formed a part of the welcome feast, in order to refill his empty glass, for the third time, by Heidi’s calculation.

‘Anyway, it’s over and doesn’t matter,’ he went on, still with the cheery eagerness that felt almost too much, ‘and perhaps Moira, maybe safely ensconced in college as we speak, without the threat of my “terrifying presence”—’ he painted inverted commas in the air with his forefingers ‘—might even be starting to wonder if what she did was justified. Now, that would give me satisfaction.’ He laughed darkly, shaking his head to himself.

‘I have been thinking about Moira, Lucas.’

‘Have you? Yes, so have I, far more than I would like. Mostly, I try to work out what the bloody girl thought she was doing. Coming to me that day, all doe-eyed, and then… well, we both know the “and then”, only too well.’ He took another swig of his drink, swilling it in his mouth for a couple of seconds before swallowing.

‘I need to talk to you about her.’

‘Okay, my love. Talk away.’ He pushed the tubs of food to one side and took hold of her hands, gently rubbing her lower wrists with the pads of his thumbs in a way that felt more like a nervous tic than a caress.

‘She is such a very young girl, Lucas, uncertain of herself; and you are a powerful man. How you use that power is important. The smallest thing to you could feel very big and frightening to her, or anyone like her…’

‘Yes, sweetheart, I think I have gleaned – and said – that much myself, many times. Though thank you for going over it again. Much appreciated.’

‘No, you have not said that. Not exactly.’