‘Alternatively, you could always take them to the actual bookshop,’ said Felix.

‘Could we please not have this conversation again today?’

‘You never want to have this conversation.’

‘Exactly. So perhaps that’s a clue that I don’t want to talk about it.’

‘You can’t hide away in here forever, you know.’

‘I know. I do go out.’

‘Barely. And only when you’ve run out of milk.’

‘That still counts as out.’

‘No, Lils. It doesn’t. Unfortunately, I don’t have time to get into this now. I’ve got to get these two home before Poppy thinks we’ve done a runner.’

‘Give her a hug from me.’

‘Will do, but you can give her one yourself on Saturday. Don’t forget it’s takeaway night. Poppy’s mum and dad are having the kids this weekend.’

‘So why don’t you go out together? Paint the town red.’

‘We’re doing that Friday night and, since having kids, our stamina for nights out is very limited. Flopping over here for takeaway will be about the limit by then.’

‘OK. So long as you’re sure.’

‘Yep. Any preference on food?’

‘Nope. Just order what you like, but it’s my treat.’

‘Not this time. You always sneak a way to pay. This time I’m definitely paying.’

‘Fine. OK. Then I’d like lobster thermidor, with caviar to start.’ I paused. ‘I’ll have to think about pudding.’

‘Funny. You do know that I know you can’t stand caviar, don’t you? Neither have I forgotten that the last time you had lobster, it paid a very hasty return visit.’

‘You can be terribly annoying at times, you know that too, don’t you?’

‘I’m your brother. It’s in the contract.’

‘Go home, before your wife has time to realise she’s been duped and there are far better options than you out there.’

Felix grinned and kissed me on the cheek. ‘See ya.’

‘Bye, Auntie Lily!’ the kids chorused as Felix got to the front door.

‘Umm, excuse me, I do believe some people have forgotten something.’

With that, both the children ran at me and flung their arms around me, laughing as they did so. ‘Love you!’

I bent down to them, peppering each of their heads with lots of little kisses. ‘I love you too. See you soon.’

I waited at the door until the car turned out of sight halfway down the driveway, then closed the front door, trying not to think about the silence that suddenly surrounded me once more.

I knew that moving out of the city had been the right decision after everything that happened, and I still loved this place. I had from the moment I saw it. From outside, it looked wonderfully and authentically Georgian, built by an architect who adored the style as a pet project for a client who had given him free rein. Except that when it came to it, the client decided that wasn’t what he was after at all and that in fact he wanted not just the latest technology inside, but also a modern-looking exterior to reflect it. The house, consequently, never lived in, went on the market the day I decided to move from the city. In contrast to the original client, I loved the idea that all the modern amenities and energy efficient technology could be wrapped up in such an authentically period-accurate house. I didn’t even look at anything else. This had felt right the moment I stepped in. I’d got a sense of peace and security and the large grounds gave me the privacy I craved.