“Not true. You’re one of the most interesting people I know.” Connie beat the pancake mixture so vigorously that some of the mixture spattered the countertop. What she really wanted to do was wring Richard’s neck for what he was doing to his family, but that wasn’t an option. And it wasn’t about her. She had to keep reminding herself of that. Her feelings weren’t important here. Milly was adamant that they were never to say a bad word about Richard in front of Zoe, and although it pushed her self-control to the limits, Connie was trying hard to respect that request. “I’m sorry you heard that. It must be very difficult for you, honey. It’s okay to feel upset or angry or any of the things you’re probably feeling.” Maybe she should take up boxing or jujitsu. Something that would allow her to punch something without getting arrested.

“It’s worse for Mum than me. She’s so hurt, although she pretends she’s fine.” Zoe paused with her hands around the glass. “I heard her crying a few nights ago. I almost went into her room, but it was late and she thought I was asleep, so I don’t think she wanted me to know. Do you think I should have gone in?”

Connie stopped mixing. She ached at the thought of Milly lying alone in the dark crying and of Zoe hovering outside trying to work out what to do.

Her mother was right. She needed to try and detach instead of feeling every blow as if it was aimed at her personally.

Peggy cleared her throat. “I think you were right to leave her alone with her feelings on that occasion. Good decision.”

“It didn’t feel good. For a moment I really—” Zoe stopped herself in mid-sentence. “I’m worried about her, that’s all. I just want her to be okay.”

So that made three of them, Connie thought, returning her attention to the bowl in front of her. Grandmother, mother and child. It was funny how life’s traumas rippled through generations, affecting all of them in different ways.

“Your mother is going to be fine,” Peggy said finally. “She can handle anything that comes her way, and so can you. She will be happy again, trust me. These things just take a while. No one can be happy all the time, especially if they’re not eating sugar, bacon or anything with additives. It’s a wonder anyone manages to raise a smile these days.”

Zoe giggled. “I love you, Nanna Peg.”