‘A mother always knows.’ Caprice smiles. ‘I’ve lived with Miles and Saffron for four years now. I see things. I hear things. Arguments. Discussions. Every day I watch their antagonistic body language.’ She pauses. ‘And recently, I’ve seen the way Miles looks at you, with an expression on his face that I’ve never seen before. You mean something to him. Something new. Something big. I’ve been mulling over this for a while. I know I’m right. I’m always right about things to do with Miles. It’s a mother’s duty to help a son live the best possible life. To lead a perfect life, you need a perfect wife. You are perfect for Miles.’

54

Saffron

I go into the office early, before Ted and Julie. Sitting down, I try to clear my head. What a weekend. Visiting James Shoestring’s home. James. Retired bond dealer from the City. Lending to those in difficulty with their global investments, he seems to have made more money since he left his job, than he made doing it. But he is such a difficult client. Despite his enormous mansion, I was given a small unheated room to work in. You’d think he could put the central heating on in December. What a skinflint. We had a meeting in his sumptuous dining room, with its de Gournay wallpaper, which he enjoyed boasting about. But I was so cold I wished I had brought my ski jacket. I made a suggestion, and he shouted; yelled at the top of his voice. His face went red. Spittle flew out with his words.

I returned home so late on Sunday night that everyone else in my family was asleep. I slipped into bed, naked, next to Miles, and lay against him, skin on skin. He stirred and kissed me. We made love. I smile inside as I remember. The highlight of my weekend. But after that I couldn’t sleep. Worrying about my firm.

I switch on my computer and check my emails. Joshua Cassidy. He’s sorry but he’s going to pass on me as his private client lawyer. He wants someone younger. More dynamic. More in tune with his persona.

Disappointment skitters inside me. I really need some new work. Ted and Julie have agreed not to take their salaries until the loan comes in. Julie has assured me that she and Conrad are still an item and he is very happy to support her for a while. So this is affecting him too. I suppress the surge of panic rising in my stomach. Turning my mind in on itself, willing the loan to come in. Wishing I was religious and believed that a higher being could help.

55

Aiden

Miles is here, in my Chelsea apartment. Sitting on my black leather sofa, cradling a whisky. Wearing jeans with holes in, and a baggy green jumper.

‘So how’s it going?’ I ask.