He held her eyeline and spoke slowly, earnestly, and she felt the flicker of recognition at what was to come and with it came a sinking feeling in her stomach, reminded by her encounter with Digby of just how differently she felt about Miguel. She adored him, of that there was no doubt, but love – big, real, grown-up, happily-ever-after love – no, no, that was not how she felt. And if he proposed, she knew she would have to refuse him. It was almost more than she could stand, to look at his beautiful face lit by candlelight knowing she was going to hurt him.

‘Thank you.’ Her voice was small as she sat forward in the chair. ‘Miguel, I—’

‘Merrin Mercy Kellow,’ he began, ignoring her, his voice steady, as if the words he was about to say were well practised and he needed to get them out. ‘I think you are the most amazing person I’ve ever met. I remember the day I arrived here and I was happy enough to be starting the job, but then I saw you and—’ He broke into a big smile, as if the thought of that day was enough to make him happy. He removed a smaller red box from the larger one – ring-sized.

Sweet, sweet, beautiful Miguel . . .

‘You were so warm and kind and funny and beautiful, and then when I plucked up the courage to ask you for a drink and you threw up in the drain . . .’

‘Miguel, please, I need to say—’

‘No, you don’t get to interrupt this time, this is my moment, and yours comes in a minute.’ He gripped her hand. ‘I love you. And I know I will love you for the rest of my life. And it’s a life that would be poorer if you weren’t by my side.’ He jostled the little red box and was about to open it when her phone rang in her pocket.

‘Ignore it,’ he implored. ‘Please.’

She looked at the screen, a little relieved that a call had come in for her at that moment. She could stall, think!

‘I can’t. It’s Ruby. She never calls, and never this late.’

‘Ruby?’ She held the phone to her ear and struggled to make out any words between the unmistakable sound of her sister crying and trying to catch her breath. ‘Ruby, what’s the matter? Ruby!’ She sat forward, calling with some urgency, as her heart thudded in her throat and her chest filled with a rising sense of panic. Had something happened to the baby? To Jarvis?

‘Come . . . come home, Merry. You need . . . you need to come home!’

‘What’s happened?’ she pressed, wanting and not wanting to hear whatever it was that had reduced her sister to this. ‘What’s the matter?’

‘Dad—’ she began, and Merrin felt the first bite of shock.

‘Is he okay? Ruby, please, take a breath and tell me what’s happened!’