She decided not to tell Molly about Ben’s part in it all. It wasn’t fair to her – it wasn’t her fault, but as his relation she’d feel bad about it. And worse, she’d probably feel obliged to stick up for him, to explain away his actions as being ‘for the best’.

To her surprise, Molly was waiting on the platform with Petal as the train drew in. She must have come home for some reason, Thea thought, as she struggled to open the door through the window. I just wish I had some good news for them.

‘Hi, you two!’ She stepped down on to the platform, her bag preceding her. ‘How lovely of you to come and pick me up. Save me having to get a taxi.’ She kissed Molly and was about to kiss Petal, when she saw the expressions on their faces. ‘What’s the matter? It’s not the pups, is it? Lara? Oh, no, don’t tell me. I couldn’t bear it. Not Little Chap, the one I’ve been hand-feeding?’ That’s why Petal’s here, she thought distractedly. So I won’t be alone in the house.

‘The dogs are fine,’ said Molly. ‘Or they were when I picked up your keys half an hour ago.’

Thea’s heart, which had begun to race, took a moment to realise all was not lost. ‘Then it must be the gallery. A flood. Oh, my God, not a fire! Not all Rory’s pictures!’

‘Thea!’ said Molly, irritated. ‘What has got into you? Why are you imagining all these disasters?’

‘Because you two have got faces which could announce the outbreak of World War Three. What’s happened?’

‘Ben rang and told us everything,’ announced Petal.

‘What?’ What ‘everything’ could Ben have possibly told them?

‘We can’t talk about it here,’ said Molly. ‘Let’s get in the car and go back to Thea’s. There’s a lot to discuss. Though I must say it’s very disappointing.’

‘Can’t argue with that,’ Thea agreed. ‘You get in the back, Petal. I’ve got all my stuff.’

‘You could put it in the boot,’ suggested Petal, who liked the front seat best.

‘Oh, just get in, both of you,’ snapped Molly.

Home was much tidier and cleaner than Thea had left it, in spite of her high-speed attack on the dirt. The hall smelt of polish and air freshener, and the floor shone as it never had before. Even the kitchen was surprisingly orderly. The newspapers on the floor had been used, but they hadn’t yet been ripped and rumpled by puppy games.