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least we’re used to goodbyes.’
    His fingers skimmed the back of her neck with the delicious, feather-light touch she knew so well. ‘But this time you’re not just zipping off to the continent for a night or two. Australia’s such a damn long way from here.’
    â€˜I haven’t been back there in ages.’
    â€˜No. Not since I’ve known you.’
    â€˜Three years.’
    â€˜Best years of my life.’
    Liz closed her eyes before Michael could see her reaction. It bothered her that he seemed to care so much. Too much.
    Then she felt his arms around her, his warm lips on her neck, on her chin, her mouth. They kissed hungrily, as they always did. But this evening their kiss was still gathering steam when Liz pulled back with a sigh. She had to call a halt.
    She really didn’t want Michael to be here when Bella arrived. The explanations could be awkward and that was an extra difficulty she didn’t need tonight. Not when she and Bella were already so dreadfully upset about Peter’s heart attack.
    â€˜Yes, yes, I know. I’m leaving.’ Michael got to his feet, turned to the large mirror above the mantelpiece and checked that his tie was straight. He ran a lean hand down his business shirt, smoothing it and making sure it was tucked neatly into his dark trousers.
    Liz walked with him to the front door.
    â€˜I really am very sorry about your brother, Liz, but I’m sure the Aussie outback breeds them tough.’
    â€˜Of course it does. Look at me.’ She managed a small smile.
    â€˜I hope he’s in much better shape by the time you arrive.’
    â€˜Thanks. I’m going to stay positive.’
    But it was so hard. She couldn’t bear the thought of Peter being so ill. It didn’t seem possible that her horse-riding, cattle-wrangling big brother was now clinging to life by a fragile thread.
    â€˜You’ll have to try not to worry,’ Michael said.
    â€˜Easier said than done.’
    â€˜That’s true. Still . . . ’
    â€˜I know. It’s good advice.’ If for no other reason, Liz would have to be strong for Bella’s sake.
    Retrieving his coat from a hallstand, Michael shrugged into it and Liz opened the front door, letting in a blast of cold air.
    â€˜I hope it doesn’t snow tonight.’ She peered out into the chilly darkness. ‘The last thing we want is to find Heathrow closed.’
    â€˜You’re worrying again.’
    â€˜No, I’m not. I’m stopping, right now.’
    â€˜Good girl.’ Dropping a final kiss on her cheek, he stepped into the cold night. Wind whipped at his coat collar as he turned and went down the steps.
    Liz closed the door quickly, as she always did. She never liked to watch Michael hurry home to his wife.
    Bella shivered on the front steps of the house in Godfrey Street as she pressed the doorbell. Throughout the journey from France and across London, she’d been hanging out for this moment. She just wanted to see Liz.
    Liz was family.
    The door opened, spilling light into the frosty gloom. And there was her aunt – tall and bony, with haywire dark curls, and as elegant as ever in a long red woollen dress.
    â€˜Darling.’ Liz held out her arms.
    â€˜It’s so good to see you.’ Bella stumbled forward and burst into tears.
    â€˜Sorry.’ Bella reached into her coat pocket for tissues. ‘I’m okay, really. I just can’t bear to think of him––’
    â€˜I know, I know, darling. But we must believe he’ll pull through again.’
    â€˜Yes.’ Bella nodded, blew her nose, took a deep breath and smiled. ‘It’s so good to see you.’
    â€˜You, too.’ Liz smiled fondly. ‘Come on through. Dump your stuff anywhere for now. Would you like some supper? I thought something light. Soup perhaps.’
    â€˜Soup would be perfect.’
    Bella adored Liz’s tall, narrow house with