Cinderella's Wedding Wish. Jessica Hart

idolised, than to think about the foolish vanity and obstinacy that had brought the entire family to ruin.

      She pushed the dark thoughts determinedly aside. ‘It’s hard to believe I’m at work,’ she said brightly. ‘It feels like being on holiday!’

      ‘I know what you mean,’ said Rafe. ‘We used to drive this way when I was taken to stay with my grandparents at Knighton Park as a kid, so the route reminds me of holidays too.’

      Miranda could imagine Rafe as a little boy, dark-eyed and mischievous. ‘Was it a family outing?’

      ‘Not really. I’m an only child, and my parents were glad not to have me underfoot in the school holidays. Sometimes my mother would drive me down, but more often the chauffeur would take me, sitting in solitary splendour in the back of the car.’

      Rafe’s voice was light, but Miranda felt her heart twist. She would never have thought she would feel sorry for Rafe Knighton! Poor little boy.

      ‘It sounds a bit lonely.’

      ‘Oh, I didn’t mind as long as I got there. I liked staying with my grandparents. It was more fun at Knighton Park than London. There were lots of places to get lost or get into trouble, or both, and I always seemed to find some other kids to play with.’

      He probably started charming at a very early age, Miranda thought. It would have been one way of making sure that he always had a companion.