‘Well, I thought I’d swing by to say hello and that it’s fine by me, as long as you’re in agreement,’ Emma said, turning to Maggie. ‘Izzie, my eldest, is sixteen and she’s going with them too – she’s very sensible,’ she assured her. ‘And, Amelia, you’re welcome to borrow my bike, if you don’t have one of your own here; it’s not too old-ladyish, I promise you. Jack was thinking ten o’clock or so? Give you a bit of time to have breakfast and whatever. He’s not actually showered yet, the stinking pig, but don’t worry, I’ll make sure he’s decent before I release him from the house.’

‘Cool,’ Amelia said, risking a bold side-eye at Maggie, who felt completely backed into a corner by now. ‘I’ll be over at ten.’

‘Wait,’ said Maggie, feeling as if this was all happening too fast. ‘You don’t have a bike helmet, Amelia, so—’

‘It’s fine, we’ve got a spare she can use,’ Em said. Then she peered a little closer at Maggie. ‘Is that okay? I did tell Jack you might have plans or . . .’

Maggie swallowed, thinking about her dad and wanting to put a stop to this whole expedition but too embarrassed to trot out her worries in front of this breezy, smiling stranger. You can’t wrap Amelia in cotton wool!, her mum had warned in the past. Yes, but why not?

‘It’s okay,’ she managed to say after a moment. She put her arms around herself, wishing she had on a dressing gown at least. The material of her pyjamas was horribly thin and a little bit coffee-stained, come to think of it. ‘We hadn’t made any plans.’

The woman grinned. ‘Same! Oh, good. I can never understand people who go on holiday with this full agenda. An itinerary! What’s that all about?’ She gave a hoot. ‘Nice to meet you, anyway. Oh – I didn’t catch your name.’

‘Maggie,’ she said miserably. Maggie of the pyjamas and unbrushed hair, that’s me. Not to mention the daughter who can’t wait to be shot of me.

‘Maggie, got it. I’m Em, as I said, and I’m here with George and . . .’ Spots of colour rose in her cheeks suddenly, for some reason. ‘Well, you don’t need to know all of that, obviously. Right! I’ll leave you to your breakfast anyway. Just come on over when you’re ready, Amelia, okay? Have a lovely day, Maggie.’