Rose stared at Alexander. Nothing about this was natural, nothing, she told herself a trifle hysterically. In the space of twenty-four hours she was not only going to Scotland with him but now he wanted her to meet his mother. Did he have any idea how terrifying that was? ‘You told them we are friends and that is the extent of our relationship?’

‘Of course. I also told them I am in love with you and hope to persuade you to look on me more favourably in time.’

She shut her eyes for an infinitesimal moment. ‘Then I can understand the summons,’ she said tightly.

‘It’s not a summons, merely an invitation for tea this afternoon for an hour or two. Daisy can cope, can’t she?’

‘Of course I can.’ Daisy had just returned from taking the girls to school and was unashamedly listening. She had been delighted when she’d arrived at the shop first thing and Rose had told her about Alexander’s visit the night before, saying immediately that she must go to Scotland with him and that of course Amy would be pleased to help her in the shop while Rose was gone. She had been even more delighted to find Alexander present when she got back a few minutes ago. She and Amy had been worried for some time that Alexander would give up his pursuit of Rose in view of her coldness towards him, but to give the man his due there was no sign of that. Just the opposite, in fact. The whole affair was like a story in the People’s Friend or the Lady. So romantic. Love conquers all. She’d said this to Rose, who had shaken her head and replied tartly that stories were one thing, real life was another and the two should never be confused.

‘It’s nothing to do with whether Daisy can cope or not – I am concerned that your parents have got quite the wrong impression about what this trip entails,’ Rose said stiffly.

‘What does it entail?’ he asked interestedly.

‘It’s for Lawrence’s sake, and Estelle’s too to some extent of course. Does your mother know that?’

‘If she doesn’t you can tell her so this afternoon.’

He was being deliberately perverse. ‘I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to have tea with your mother, Alexander.’

‘Dinner then? We leave for Scotland tomorrow.’

‘My meeting them makes it seem’ – she couldn’t find the right words and finished lamely – ‘serious.’

It damn well was serious and before this trip was over he hoped she would admit it. ‘Not at all,’ he said cheerfully. ‘They know your position, they know my feelings, it’s all out in the open, that’s all.’

‘What about your staff? What will they think?’

For a moment he was very much the son of his father when he said, ‘What they do or do not think is of no consequence.’