-24hrs.

In 24 hours from now, The Rabbit will be fidgeting with her hair nervously at the Arrivals gate of a London airport, awaiting Bartimaeus's imminent return from Bombay, alternately switching her gaze from the board that'll tell her when his flight has landed, when he's collecting his baggage etc., and the automatic doors. She'll be doing silent battle with the other waitees to secure the best spot and keep it, and will be weighing up in her mind just how close she feels she can get to the line that says "Do Not Cross" without a) causing an international incident b) feeling like she's Breaking A Rule. (The latter is of much greater concern to the Hermione-like Rabbit). She'll keep checking her Clinique compact to make sure her makeup's perfect, and she'll spritz herself with her little 20ml bottle of Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, which Bartimaeus loves.

It's been six weeks since he left, and I've missed him like mad. I've amused myself with lots of quality time with friends, but it's still felt like I've been treading water. There's just much more colour and laughter in the world when he's about.

I've really agonised over what to wear - last time he was away it was April and I wore my favourite Russian paisley silk dress from Warehouse. This time, I've opted for the pretty printed circle skirt I'm wearing here, because it matches a necklace and earrings he bought me on his last trip.



I'm feeling giddy. My heart's racing. And I have no idea how I'm going to concentrate at work tomorrow!