Esther flapped her piece of paper, close to tears suddenly. ‘No, Vivvie, you were trying to help and I reacted unforgivably. I’m writing to tell you so…’ she shoved the diary back in the bag, not wanting Viv to see the desecration of a gift designed for much higher purposes ‘…as well as to thank you so very much for having me…’

‘Really, Esther, it’s fine.’

‘I was just in a state because—’

‘Of Dylan. Of course you were. And you’re on the eleven-thirty, Brian says, so that’s great. Getting home – I know I would want exactly the same. I can’t imagine the worry. I hope he gets in touch again soon. He will, I’m sure. Because he loves you.’ She walked a little on the spot as she talked, rolling her weight through each foot in a manner that contributed to the impression – for all her comforting words – of keeping herself at a distance. ‘Keep us posted, won’t you?’

‘Viv, please, last night, the things I said… they were inexcusable…’

‘No. Not at all. Really, Esther, it’s fine and I’d better head off now or I won’t be back in time.’

‘For your client.’

‘Exactly. And to see you off too.’

‘Great. Thanks. Okay.’ Esther folded her message in two. It didn’t feel okay. ‘And I am so grateful to Brian for…’ Esther had to put her head round the door as Viv was already several steps away, her electric-blue trainers squeaking faintly on the tiled floor.

‘Viv. Seriously. Thank you. For everything.’

‘No problem. See you later.’ She waved once before disappearing down the stairs.

Their farewell hug by the car an hour later was only marginally more satisfactory, Viv allowing Esther to hold her, it felt like, before rushing off to get to her client notes.

The drive to the airport, however, had been an unexpected pleasure, flying through the gold and green curves of the countryside with the windows down and Brian belting shouty accompaniments to Frank Sinatra songs. Just being in motion had been consoling, an in-between moment, to gather strength for whatever lay ahead. Esther felt a welcome echo of something similar now, as the plane levelled out in the expanse of blue above the cloud-line. The engine noise had calmed to a thrum. Distant chinks and clinks signified the preparation of a snacks trolley. For two hours, no one could do anything.