‘It is.’ He nuzzled her shoulder, breathing in the scent of her warm skin. ‘What do you say to putting these drinks aside for the time being and making it an evening to remember?’ He stroked her more passionately. ‘We could just go through there …’ He nodded towards the spare bedroom, which lay through the beautifully carved living-room door. He could just see the soft rose quilt, plumped up and inviting.

Laura uncurled and faced him, then stood and took his hand. ‘We could, couldn’t we?’ She tipped up her face towards him and he leant down and kissed her, gently at first and then more emphatically, as they moved together towards the open door.

‘What do you fancy doing at the weekend, then, Sylvia?’ Frank caught up with her as she came down the underground corridor in Derby House. ‘You’ve got both days off, haven’t you?’

Sylvia paused on her way back to her desk, her arms full of brown files. ‘Clever you to have checked,’ she said, grinning up at him. The late spring sunshine had brought out a smattering of freckles on her nose. ‘Yes, but the thing is …’ She paused, knowing he would be disappointed with her news. ‘The thing is, I thought I’d try to go back to see my parents again.’

Frank swallowed. This wasn’t what he’d been expecting to hear. ‘Oh?’ he said, hoping he didn’t sound too put out. ‘Well, if that’s what you want …’

‘It’s not that,’ Sylvia hurried to assure him. ‘Not quite like that, any road. Of course I love going to see them, but you see, the thing is, Dad’s not been well. Mum wrote to tell me, and of course I can’t let him see that I know or he’d be horrified I’ve given up a weekend to go all that way, but I have to go all the same.’

Frank breathed out. ‘Of course you do. Yes, I’m sure you’re right. You don’t have to say anything about why you’re there; just turning up will do the trick. Otherwise you’ll worry, won’t you?’ His eyes crinkled into a warm smile. That was typical Sylvia – running to help where she could. His own disappointment was nothing compared to the anxiety she must be feeling about a sick parent, and not being close enough to just hop on a bus and go to see how they were. His heart went out to her.