‘Nope. That’s rather been the problem, as far as my parents are concerned. They married “the right people”, even though they weren’t in love, and know plenty of other people who did the same, so they can’t see why I’m so against it.’

‘Oh, I see. Do you think Edward would marry the right person, or only for love?’

He rolled his head sideways on the back of the sofa to look at me. His beautiful eyes were heavy-lidded from tiredness and alcohol and, I imagined, a great deal of strain from tonight. Perhaps a little relief too that this part, at least, was over.

‘Are you asking for a friend?’

I lolled my knee over to bump against his. ‘I’m asking because I’m a writer and being nosy is a necessary trait.’

‘Felix told me you prefer to call it interested.’

‘He’s right, because it’s a more accurate description, but you’ve had several drinks and I was trying to make things easier for you to understand.’

He bumped his own knee back against mine. ‘I’m in full control of my faculties, I’ll have you know.’

‘Good to hear.’

‘As for Edward, if you are interested, I think he’s already half in love with you, so just give me the word.’

‘Oh, shut up.’

He laughed, his whole being relaxed for the first time that night.

‘But the honest answer is, I don’t know. I don’t think he would, but Ed is also keen for a quiet life. He’s managed to avoid too much pressure so far by seeing people who generally fit the mould my parents approve of, but obviously nothing serious has come of any of his liaisons yet. I’m sure they’ll start dropping hints and making comments before long, if they haven’t already.’

‘Do you think he’ll be as strong as you have at resisting?’

Jack gave a sort of snort. ‘I’m not sure running away to the other side of the world counts as being strong.’

‘Don’t beat yourself up. You did what you had to do for your own sanity. I get that.’

I could feel his eyes on me but stayed looking out at the garden.

‘Yeah. I think you do.’ His words were soft, and I knew then that he, even if nobody else, understood the steps I’d taken after Mike’s death. ‘But I guess we can’t run away for ever.’

‘We can give it a good shot.’

The laugh was deep and rumbled in his chest before I felt him shift beside me. A soft kiss brushed the top of my hair. ‘Thank you for coming tonight. I know it can’t have been easy for you, but I appreciate it more than you know. Just knowing there was a friendly face there made all the difference.’ He pushed himself up.

‘There were plenty of friendly faces there.’ I grinned, looking up at him. ‘All exceedingly glad to have you back in the fold. Persephone, for one. I’m sorry, Lady Persephone.’

‘Percy is married.’