‘Not really, no.’ He sighed. ‘I’m missing her, that’s all.’
‘I’m sure you are. But don’t forget she’s covering some of your work while you’re up here. She’s also working hard on the exhibition, and with Eva. The book’s coming along well and I’ve offered to get in touch with some of my contacts when she’s finished so that there’s a good chance of getting it published.’
‘That’s good. I can’t wait to see it. It will really raise awareness for what’s happened.’ The investigation into the cause of the explosion was still ongoing, but while no one knew how it had happened, the effects of it were more than evident.
‘And she’s been spending time with her family of course,’ Charlotte continued. ‘I think she’s feeling guilty because she’s not been spending so much time with them recently.’
‘Yes, she did mention that. It’s just so hard trying to fit everything in.’
‘I think she’s worried about the exhibition too, because it’s up here and not on her home turf.’
‘She’s no need to worry about that. I’ve seen the photos and they’re brilliant.’
‘I know, I’ve said the same. And the good thing is, at least being up here, she doesn’t need to worry about her ex trying to sabotage it.’
‘The slimy git.’
Charlotte nodded in agreement. ‘But I think he’ll be getting his comeuppance soon.’
Daniel looked up from his pasta. ‘How so?’
‘Well, you know Daddy’s a golfing buddy of Arthur Whigmore?’
‘Yes.’
‘They met up recently and Arthur’s noticed that his gallery isn’t being run as successfully as he thought it was. Not like it was running when Anna was there.’
‘That’s because she was doing Mark’s work for him.’
‘Precisely. Arthur’s getting more involved in the gallery and Mark’s job is on the line. So I think he’s got enough to worry about at the moment.’
‘And would Arthur sack his future son-in-law?’
Charlotte laughed. ‘That’s the other thing. Mark’s been a bit of a naughty boy there, too. Jemima’s got wind of it, so there might not even be a wedding.’
‘Karma.’ Daniel smiled, glad that Anna’s ex might be getting what was coming to him.
‘And as for Anna,’ she said. ‘There’s a very good chance that you’ll be seeing her at the weekend.’
‘I will?’
‘Yes, she’s talking about coming up to do some last-minute photography. Some of the shots she took aren’t quite what she wanted. Didn’t she tell you?’
‘Not yet, no,’ he replied, wondering why she hadn’t. And then, in a panic, he remembered the charity event. If Anna was coming up at the weekend, she’d need to know about that.
As soon as Charlotte was on the train back to London, he phoned Anna from the car.
‘Hiya.’ She answered the phone cheerily enough. He let out a breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding. He’d been half-expecting that she wouldn’t even answer his call.
‘Hi, how are you doing?’
‘I’m good, thanks,’ she replied. ‘Although I’m having difficulty with some of the images I took in Chester for the exhibition. Daniel, I could really do with your help.’
He felt a rush of elation that she still wanted his opinion. ‘Of course, I’m happy to help, whenever, you know that.’
‘I’m glad you said that.’ He thought he heard a note of relief in her voice. ‘I wasn’t sure. I know you’re busy and I didn’t want to disturb you.’
‘I’m never too busy for you. Charlotte said you were thinking of coming up for the weekend.’
