And why I’ve spent nearly twenty-five years trying to make up for it by wading into other people’s problems, she thought, by shouldering as much responsibility as I could. More and more, and never enough to make it right.

David’s voice from the back was kind. ‘You know, I bet it wouldn’t even make Branston’s top five memories.’

‘He had plates in both legs, David!’

‘That’s not what he remembers. How many more years did he have with you? Eight? He was an old boy when he went. A very happy old boy.’

Tara checked in the rear-view mirror. Lloyd was lying with his sodden head over David’s lap, soaking his trousers. David didn’t seem to have noticed. He was focused on Tara’s brimming eyes in the mirror.

‘Yes,’ she nodded.

‘Well, then.’

It was only much later that Tara realized she’d never told David how old Branston was when he finally went to sleep for ever in her arms, after a breakfast of mashed potato and steak, and a walk around the garden. Probably a good guess, she told herself. A good guess.

Lloyd was limping badly, but managed a brave thump of his tail for George the vet when they struggled into the surgery with him.

‘You hauled this big lump across a field?’ George wasn’t one to mince his words. ‘Do you play for Longhampton Rugby Club, sir? And if not, would you like to?’

David massaged his shoulder with a grimace. ‘He seemed reluctant to walk.’

‘He’s a Labrador.’ George was checking Lloyd’s legs, squeezing and prodding. Lloyd wagged his tail. ‘Given half a chance he’d have you carry him round the house.’

‘Whatever treatment he needs, just go ahead,’ Tara insisted as George checked Lloyd’s heart, his laboured breathing, his twig-crusted paw pads. The Sindys could pay for any medical care he needed. She’d cover the rest. Her heart clenched thinking of Molly’s voice on the line, so small, struggling with the heavy responsibility of love.

‘I don’t think that’s going to be necessary. He’s fine. Come on, you beast.’ George gave the dog a gentle but firm prod. ‘Up you get. Show’s over.’

To Tara’s astonishment, Lloyd staggered to his paws, then wobbled over to the food display and started sniffing it.

‘Keep him warm and quiet tonight, plenty of water, any change give us a call.’ George replaced the stethoscope round his neck. ‘But if you need a chiropractor,’ he added to David, ‘I can give you a number. I see her twice a year, after lambing. Excellent. Utterly brutal.’