The paint on the main door was peeling and some buildings were in decay, while others had skips parked in the gardens, but Chloe could see that the area was on the up – you only needed to see the artisan coffee house on the corner, and the hipster barber and health food store.

She clutched her straw tote bag tighter, cradling the gift it contained for Ruby, and peered up to the top of the block, wondering if the dormer window was Hannah’s flat. Her daughter could be looking out right this moment and down at the street.

‘Which is Hannah’s place?’ said Drew, as if reading her mind.

‘I think it’s the very top. Not ideal for lugging a pushchair up, but it could be a lot worse.’

‘Much worse. This area looks pretty expensive to me.’

‘Hmm. Jordan must have been paying the rent. Hannah can’t afford this, even when she does go back to work, with nursery fees on top.’

‘Is it what you expected?’ he asked.

She sighed. ‘No. It’s much nicer. In one way I’m hugely relieved but …’

‘Disappointed it’s not some hell hole?’

‘Not exactly, but I do know what you mean. I’ve asked myself that question many times. How would I have felt if Hannah had been genuinely happy, yet still cut off all contact with us? I’ve tried to convince myself that I would accept whatever she decided, and whoever she was with, if only she was happy. No parent can realistically expect more than that.’

‘You’re not a saint, Chloe. None of us are.’ Drew’s wry smile made Chloe smile too. She was glad he was here. He’d tried to distract her on the way, and helped her keep things in perspective. It was a great gift to be able to see the world as it truly was, a talent that few people had. She was in danger of falling for more than his rugged good looks and twinkly blue eyes. Much more.

‘I’m definitely not a saint,’ she said. ‘You know that …’ She gazed up at the building again. ‘I think it’s time to face the music.’

‘OK. I’ll wait here for you, but please call or text me if you plan on staying and I’ll make myself scarce for a while.’

‘Thanks. I can’t help thinking this is eating into your time. We should both be at the festival. I felt bad telling Sam I needed to come down here, but she told me to forget the festival and look after my family. She’s amazing.’