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“Yes.” There was no point embellishing the answer, her father wouldn’t appreciate it.

“Very well, then you must do what you must do.” He hesitated. “Jemima, I’m not a monster.”

“I know,” Jem said.

“I want you to be happy. I truly do. And if this Ellie is the reason that you’ve found your point in life, the reason that you finally want something, then you have my blessing.”

Jem smiled gently. “Thank you, I appreciate that. And I appreciate everything, I really do. I’m not throwing anything back in your face.”

“No, you’re standing on your own two feet, which is more than that brother of yours has ever done.” He smiled. “Believe it or not, I’ve been waiting for one of the two of you to stand up to me. I just never expected that it would be you.”

“Well, aren’t I just full of surprises at the moment,” Jem said.

He nodded. “Just remember, Jemima, standing on your own two feet is all very well, but should you fall…” He looked directly at her. “I shall be here with outstretched hand to aid you back to your feet.”

She would have hugged him if she thought he’d appreciate it. Instead she got up and rounded his desk, dropping a kiss on his cheek and letting her hand linger on his shoulder just a little too long. “Thank you, Pa.”

“Close the door on your way out,” he said gruffly.

SHE KNOCKED ON the door, just in case the doorbell wasn’t working. And then she knocked again, just in case her first knock hadn’t been loud enough. When the door finally opened, Rolly was wearing a robe and his hair was ruffled.

“What?” he asked grumpily.

“I need to see you. I’m an idiot and you were right, I need to be braver and better.”

“As much as I love being told that I’m right, why exactly do you need me just at the moment?” Rolly asked.

“Because I need a plan, one that might help me get Ellie back. I’ve already dealt with my father, my mother seems to think that horses are more important than girlfriends, and you’re my best friend. I can’t do this without you.”

He put his hands on his hips. “So your world didn’t crumble around your ears?”

“I’ve been stupid, Rolly, I know. And now I’m trying to get everything put right again. You’ve always been there for me, please let me talk to you.”

“Roland? Who is it?” The voice came from inside the flat, and it was rough and thick, very East End.

Jem raised her eyebrows and Rolly blushed and sighed, before saying: “It’s Jemima.”

“Oooh,” said a voice, coming closer to the door. “The famous Jem.” The door moved and suddenly a tall, attractive man was standing there, his hand out. “Pleased to finally meet you, Jem.”

“Likewise,” Jem said, looking at Rolly.

“David,” Rolly said reluctantly.

“Dave,” David said, grinning. “And I’ve heard all about you, Jem, I’ve been dying to meet you.”

“Rolly’s been keeping you very secret.”

“Almost like he’s ashamed of me,” Dave said with a wiggle of his eyebrows. Jem found herself liking him very much indeed. “Don’t worry, he’s actually not, I’m a bit discreet because of my job.”

“Jem’s come hunting for advice on how to get Ellie back,” Rolly said.

Dave laughed. “Well, you two will have to deal with that by yourselves, I need to get to work.” He stepped around Rolly, kissing his cheek as he went, and out of the door.

“Lovely to meet you,” Jem said.

“I hope we see more of each other,” said Dave. “Just out of curiosity, did you have a plan at all?”

Jem shrugged. “I was thinking a billboard in Picadilly maybe, something big and flashy, showing her that I’m not keeping anything secret.”