AUTUMN IS SUCH A BITTERSWEET time—the days are shorter and darker and there is wind and rain and overcast skies and the promise of winter. There are, of course, so very many things to fall in love with at this time as well—turning leaves and cosy weekends away, a few last bicycle rides in the country and along the coast, breakfast in bed on Sunday mornings and most of all, late nights in front of the fire . . .