On Saturday, Bridget had a lunch date planned with Magda. They met at Eat Cafe on Duke of York Street. After both ordering sandwiches, they decided to spend the afternoon shopping at Fortnum & Mason.

Over their food, Magda asked, "So, how's work going with the new management team? Have you made any inroads with the fearsome Alice Peabody and company?"

Laughing, Bridget responded, "No! That group is one of a kind. I initially thought it was due to my age, but even Miranda can't stand the bunch of them. She's usually able to get along with anyone, so we've come to the conclusion that they're space aliens, sent to torment us for being part of the British Press."

Chuckling at this, Magda then asked, "How does Finch handle it? He's as barmy as they come. Is he ready to off someone?"

"Ha! Funny you should ask. He's taken to shagging-"

"NO! Not Alice Peabody. Oh, for God's sake! What that man won't do," Magda said with a chortle.

Bridget almost spit out her tea at that. "No, not Alice. Dear Lord. Even he wouldn't stoop that low... at least I don't think he would. No, but I think you've met Cathy in make-up? They seem to be commiserating over the new management team, in bed!"

"Well, I can actually see those two pairing up. I always liked Cathy. Just hope she knows what she's getting in to."

As the two friends continued their conversation and against her resolution not to do so, Bridget asked if Magda had any news of Mark, via Jeremy. She had held out as long as possible before asking and only hoped that it seemed nonchalant.

"As a matter of fact, yes. Jeremy and I attended a symphony with Mark on Wednesday. He's just started seeing a concert violinist. She plays with the London Symphony Orchestra. We all had dinner after at the Barbican. There's a great Italian restaurant on site, Osteria. Great food by the way. Her name is Kathryn and she's very nice and even offered to help me choose some classical pierces for my music library."

"Oh, and how did you enjoy the show?" Bridget asked, hoping her racing pulse wouldn't give her away. Mark was seeing someone again. I really shouldn't be surprised. He's a successful barrister and a good looking, now single man.

"Bee, I loved it! We should go sometime. They have one hour concerts on varying Wednesdays. It was actually very moving. I know Mark has always had an affinity for classical music, but I honestly just couldn't be bothered with sitting through anything that requires an intermission. But an hour is just perfect. I swear it brought tears to my eyes more than once. She also introduced us to the Conductor after, which was such a thrill. He was very interested in all our opinions on the show's format too."

"And how did Mark and she meet?" Bugger my traitorous mind for asking these questions, thought Bridget.

"He mentioned that it was at a work event for his new job," Magda replied, suddenly very quiet.

"New job?! Magda, why haven't you been keeping me up to date?"

"Sorry, sorry. You made it pretty clear that Mark Darcy wasn't part of your life anymore. That's why I was so gobsmacked at your actions during the Adele concert. I understand being friends and I think that's all fine, but Bridget, if you still love him..."

"Magda, you know I'll always love him. I just couldn't continue to take a backseat to his career any longer. It's not that we didn't love each other, he was just not there enough... if he wasn't traveling and he was at home, he was often gone long hours or - I'm sorry, I know you lived through it with me."

"I know," her friend said sympathetically. "That's why I haven't mentioned any news of Mark to you. If you were wanting any updates, I knew you'd ask." Also the fact that Jeremy, per Mark's request, asked me not to say anything, she thought.

"So, the new job??" Bridget reiterated quickly.

"I'm really not that in the know," she fibbed, "you should just contact Mark and ask him about it. I do know that's he's managing a group of young barristers, but that's about all Jeremy's divulged. It's all very recent."

As they finished their lunch, they made the short walk to Fortnum & Mason.

"Well, I have some news of my own," stated Bridget.

"Do tell!" giggled Magda.

"I'm going to do the 'back from the dead' interview of Daniel Cleaver, on TV!"

"What?! You told me he was found alive and I saw on the news that he's back in London, but I thought you were strictly behind the scenes now?"

"I was, am. But the only way Daniel would give us the exclusive was if I did his interview. I certainly scored in the eyes of Alice Peabody with this coup," she said with a broad smile.

"Have you spoken to him since he's been back then?"

"Yes, he contacted me and thanked me for speaking at his memorial. He said it touched his mother deeply. I'm glad I could do that for him. I don't think anyone else there was over 25 and could put two coherent thoughts together!" said Bridget and laughed.