Thank you, Charlie. I'm very grateful for your opinion. You are really the closest to him since your dear father died, and...well, young men don't always tell everything to their old Mums. Which is at it should be; it's all a part of growing up. I was quite concerned because he said something the other day that made it clear she could hurt him very badly, if she were inclined to do so. But I'm reassured by what you've said.

I hope she accepts the invitation, and I'll do everything I can to make her feel welcome.