“Thank you, Jane,” Mother said as she drove, “Gran would’ve loved your help sorting out her effects.”

“I didn’t want you doing this sad task alone, Mum,” Jane said, “And our Polly’s ready to pop her bun.”

“Yes. Any day now,” Mother chuckled, turning into Gran’s driveway.

“Shame that Gran won’t see Polly’s baby,” Jane whispered, “Or celebrate my 25th birthday tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow’s in just an hour’s time, sweetheart. I’m sure that Gran’s watching.”

“I suppose so,” Jane brightened, “she’s with Pops in Paradise, I guess?”

“Together forever, dear, I believe, always together,” Mother patted her hand, leaving the car.

Mother opened Gran’s front door and switched on the hall light.

“The hall’s cleared,” Jane blinked in the light, “Strange not to have Gran’s ginger cat rubbing around my legs, he always used to greet me at the door.”

“Well, Dad and Graham cleared out everything after the funeral,” Mother said, “Only one task left, Jane.”

Jane was almost in tears, her mind filled with childhood memories of this house and her lovely grandparents.

“Time you had a man of your own in your life, Jane, so you can build your own family, create new wonderful memories.”

“I know,” Jane agreed, “It’s impossible for me though. You, Gran and Polly were so lucky, with Dad, Pops and now Polly’s lovely Graham. They’re all ... wow! But then look at you and Polly, so beautiful. Nobody similar wants a Plain Jane like me.”

“Nonsense,” scolded Mother, “You’re a sweet girl, Jane and a talented chef. Tell me your idea of the Perfect Man, like you once told Gran years ago.”

“Oh, I’ve had such great examples to compare potential boyfriends with. Look at Pops, was tall and kind, so lovely, so perfect for Gran. He was so patient with me, he taught me reading and how to ride a horse. Dad? Well, Dad’s good at absolutely everything he tries, so fit and athletic. My brother-in-law Graham’s a marvellous father to both their little girls and he absolutely adores Polly. Any man like any one of them would be my ideal.”

“Yes, dear, Graham’s great at caring and nurturing, Polly really hit the jackpot there,” Mother agreed, “Your Dad is a natural raconteur, so open to new ideas and driven to succeed in everything, and your grandfather was a very well educated man,” as they moved into the living room.

Jane noticed the comfortable settee was gone; she’d always loved this room.

All the room contained now were two of the kitchen chairs, each one facing a strange antique chest, about the width of a double bed, with a rounded top.

Mother indicated one chair for Jane, then sat down opposite.

“This is the last task before the house is empty, dear. Now before we deal with the contents of this chest, tell me exactly how you see your ideal dream man, starting with: how good-looking do you want him to be?”

“Muuuum! Are we really doing this?” Jane squirmed at the personal nature of the conversation, “All right, all right. Oh, dear! ... Well, he shouldn’t be too handsome, I’d be forever fighting off beautiful women and worry constantly.”

“Honey,” Mother clucked, “Your man, however handsome or otherwise he is, he will only have eyes ... and hands,” she giggled, “for you. He will be completely faithful ... provided you are, too.”

“Mum! How could you think that? I’d never cheat, You’d never... ?”

“Never, absolutely faithful, otherwise there lies madness, pain and unhappiness, you want to be happy, don’t you.” Mother leaned across the chest and squeezed Jane’s knees in assurance, “The women and men in our family are always loyal, for eternity. I’d never doubt you or your man once you secure him.”

“I wish I was as sure of that as you clearly are.”

“Your wish is granted, Jane,” Mother smiled, “Now, what about his hair colour, his build, his profession? The size of his —”