‘Me? Take riding lessons?’

‘Why not? You used to tell me how it was your dream when you were a boy. What’s the point of making all that money if you don’t spend some of it making your dreams come true?’

It flashed across his mind that he was too busy earning it to enjoy spending it, but all he said was, ‘Sure, and let my six-year-old daughter make rings round me!’

‘Well, she’s bound to at first, because she’s had some practice and you’re just a beginner,’ Corinne said, ‘but I’m sure she’d make allowances for you.’

He gave a reluctant grin at her teasing. Suddenly he remembered, ‘She says she wants a Marianne doll set, the one in the riding suit. What’s she talking about?’

“‘Marianne” is the latest craze. It’s a doll that comes with its own lifestyle-ballgown, ballet tutu, riding habit.’

‘Where do I get one?’

To his bewilderment Corinne rocked with laughter.

‘You don’t think I left it to the last minute, do you? It’s Christmas Eve tomorrow. People have been trampling each other to death in toy shops for the last two months. Don’t worry, I’ve got one tucked safely away. You can give it to her, if you like.’

‘Do you think I haven’t bought her a present?’

‘No, I think you’ve probably got her something very expensive. But what she wants is that doll, and if you give it to her you’ll be her hero.’

‘Thanks,’ he said gruffly. ‘I’d like that. And she also wants a necklace.’

‘I’ve got that too,’ she assured him.

‘Like I said earlier, you’re really well organised. I could do with a few like you in the firm.’

‘Funny, Jimmy says the same.’ Corinne laughed. ‘Only he says they need me in the army. It makes me wonder how the country has muddled along without me for so long.’

Alex scowled. He didn’t want to talk, or even think, about Jimmy.

‘Anyway, Mitzi’s easy to understand,’ Corinne went on. ‘Bobby is more complicated, and it’s much harder to know what he’s thinking. Did he recognise you?’