‘That is why I propose that you and I show up on her doorstep, any day that suits you. Perhaps over the Easter holidays, if you’re willing – and free, of course?’ Brigid proposed.

‘And if she closes the door in our faces?’ Marie-Claire glanced across at her aunt, who looked twenty years younger than when she’d last seen her. Brigid was tanned and healthy from her mountain walks, her bright periwinkle blue eyes shining clear.

‘So be it! She won’t be able to say that we didn’t try to mend fences. I’m hoping though that her wrath will have abated.’

‘And what about ours?’ Marie-Claire asked drily.

‘As that inspiring woman, Michelle Obama, memorably said. “When they go low, we go high!” ’ Brigid shrugged. ‘I won’t have my latter years spoiled because Imelda has issues with me. I’ll give her an opportunity to discuss them. That’s all I can do.’

‘And Maman is happy to make this trip to Iona with Granny?’ Marie-Claire queried. Privately she thought it would be another disaster.

‘Yes, we spoke about it before I left. She’s very troubled by it all. She wants to have some sort of closure on all their issues. Perhaps my party was a catalyst for the air to be cleared. If it was, well so be it.’

‘You’re so forgiving, Mère. I certainly wouldn’t be asking her to go on holidays,’ Marie-Claire said firmly.

‘One thing’s for sure: if Imelda comes with us, it won’t be boring,’ Brigid chuckled.

‘And I suppose you’ll also be going on the Magdalene Trail to Iona,’ Marie-Claire asked as they scorched down the M1 towards the Port Tunnel.

‘We are. Isn’t it mind-blowing to even consider that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married, after all we’ve been taught? I would have been kicked out of the Order for apostasy if I’d ventured such an opinion. Yet now, it’s openly talked of in France, especially in the Languedoc. I’ve read so many of your mother’s enormous stack of books, Marie-Claire. It was fascinating, discussing such concepts with your parents. Wait until I put it to Maura – she’ll think I’ve gone doolally,’ Brigid laughed mischievously.

‘And do you think it’s true?’ Marie-Claire swung left at Whitehall church onto Collins Avenue.

‘It’s a possibility, certainly. I think. And some of the books I’ve read propose that Jesus – who had mastered matter during initiations as an Essene, in the Mystery Schools – may not have died at the crucifixion. Honestly, Marie-Claire, there’s so much to learn and read about. I wish I’d known these things. How different my path might have been.’