‘My mother was so bitter, it coloured the rest of her life. It wasn’t until she was ill and dying that she seemed to regret things. Even extracted a deathbed promise from me to return and lay a few ghosts.’

Fern looked at her questioningly, but Belinda shook her head.

‘What about your dad?’ she asked instead.

‘I did write to him secretly a couple of times, wanting to know how he was and asking about Lucky and Butch. But then one of my letters was returned, marked “Gone Away”. I began to believe the vitriolic things mum was constantly saying about him to me were true, so I gave up. I figured it was up to him.’ Belinda shrugged. ‘Now I don’t know whether he’s alive or dead. Down the years I did think about trying to contact him without telling mum but life was busy. Besides I knew that if she did find out what I’d done the fallout would be massive. And then she lands me with a deathbed promise – ironic or what?’ Belinda sighed. ‘I did think though it was something I might investigate while I was here. You know, visit the old home, ask questions, but somehow there hasn’t been time.’

‘Maybe when you come back after Easter? I’ll come with you, if you want me to,’ Fern said quietly.

‘Thank you. I might take you up on that offer. It was a long time ago, maybe it would be best to let sleeping dogs lie, but it’s something that had a huge impact on my life. Don’t know about everyone’s life having baggage by a certain age, mine seems to have gained a few ghosts loitering under the surface too. Every now and again, it hits me just how different my life has been against what I expected at seventeen. Anyway, enough about me,’ Belinda said determinedly and picked up her empty wine glass. ‘I think another glass of red please, while you tell me about your day.’

Fern cleared the plates and placed their main course on the table as she told Belinda about her day. ‘I’ve got another booking for the weekend after Easter – two couples for two nights. That will stop me missing you.’ She picked up a serving spoon. ‘I hope you like fish pie with white wine sauce?’ She ladled a generous amount onto Belinda’s plate when she nodded. ‘Help yourself to broccoli and carrots.’ She paused. ‘I went to Huelgoat today and had coffee with Anouk, my ma-in-law. We saw Fabian, my stepson – Anouk’s grandson – who told me the lovely news that Carole, his wife, is expecting their second child. Which is lovely and I’m truly thrilled for them.’

‘I sense a but coming,’ Belinda said.