Ursula pushed on without really listening. ‘But now there is the meat question, and I can’t bring myself to bring the fork to my mouth. I don’t know what to do about it.’

Isobel trod her way cautiously through this new way of thinking. ‘I wonder what Mr Black thinks?’

‘He has noticed. He notices everything. It’s his way. I told him that meat gives me indigestion and he has accepted that, for now. But we,’ she slipped into using the new signifier without noticing, ‘well, we need to do a bit of thinking, Isobel. I know we do some of the cooking together now, but I’m going to need your assistance with this. I don’t want to change what the rest of the family eats.’ She stopped for a moment. ‘At least not yet.’

‘Are you wanting your food to look like their food, but without the meat?’

‘That’s exactly it. I’ve copied down some of the dishes from the menu. The place is called Café Vegetaria, which is a rather pretty name, I think.’ She unfolded the piece of paper and pushed it across the table.

Isobel leaned forward to study the words. ‘Leek and barley soup,’ she read out loud. ‘Broth. Vegetable pie. Carrot and beet crumble with herbs. Nut roast with gravy. Cheese soufflé. Macaroni with Italian sauce.’ She looked up. ‘None of that looks very complicated, except maybe the nut roast. And I’ve never made an Italian sauce.’

‘I’ve been thinking it may be a bit tedious if all we have is soups and pies.’

‘That’s true.’ Isobel tried out the new role which had been thrust upon her. ‘I don’t think it will be too difficult, not if we make a plan.’

Ursula could feel the strain easing. Being in charge of the meals was a chore; it was necessary, but definitely not her favourite occupation. She would much rather be reading a book, or sitting in Café Vegetaria listening to the conversations and fresh opinions which swirled around her there.