No. No, I tell myself. I am an educated woman. A survivor. I can survive without a man. I can survive without Miles. But I stand by the reception counter, staring at this week’s flower arrangement of asters and lilies, feeling empty and bereft.

I hear heels click across porcelain flooring. I drop the phone and look up. Julie is walking towards me, flashing her white-toothed smile.

‘Are you OK, Saffron? What can I do to help?’ she asks.

‘Nothing really. I just … I just …’

Her smile has dissolved. She is staring at me, neck stretched and frowning as she picks up her phone and puts it in her pocket, waiting pointedly for me to go.

26

Aiden

I’m ringing the doorbell of Wellbeck House. Just passing on the way back from a business trip.

You open the door, Saffron, and for once your face lights up when you see me. You are looking particularly good this evening. Dishevelled and sexy. Your tumbled out of bed look really turns me on. I wish it was my bed you’d tumbled out of.

‘Oh, Aiden, how good to see you. I could do with some company.’

I step into the hallway and follow you into the drawing room.

‘I’m just having a G&T. Can I get you anything?’

‘I’ll have one too. Thank you.’

I watch you as you prepare my drink at the cocktail cabinet. Your hand shakes a little as you select a crystal tumbler, as you pour the Bombay Sapphire, as you add ice and lime and Fever-Tree. As you turn and hand me the glass, I realise that your dishevelled look is partly because you’ve been crying.

We sit next to one another on the sofa and sip our drinks. ‘What’s the matter, Saffron? Where is everyone tonight?’ I ask.

‘Caprice is in her room watching a film, thank God. Hayley has gone to the pub with Jono.’ There is a pause. ‘And Miles …’ You snivel and tears well in your eyes.

‘And Miles?’ I prompt gently.

‘He went to the gym, but his car broke down. He’s waiting for the AA to come and fix it. Or so he says.’

‘What do you mean, “or so he says”?’

‘Oh, Aiden, I’m so worried about Miles and Julie. I think you’re right. Love like that doesn’t disappear. I know they’ve been texting each other. But Miles denies it.’

I smile inside and shake my head slowly. ‘I did try and warn you, Saffron.’

27

Saffron