‘Seems a bit harsh,’ Tom said, shrugging his shoulders and licking cake crumbs from his fingers. ‘A man losing his home because of something he has, or hasn’t, done in his private life. Oh, I know she’s your daughter and all, but I’m not sure breaking up with her is really grounds for eviction, do you?’

‘Well, you know me, Tom. I don’t like any unpleasantness. And I want Prue to feel happy to come here at any time. This was her home, and always will be. I’d hate to think she felt uncomfortable coming here in case she runs into him.’

‘You make him sound like the devil all of a sudden. I thought you liked him?’

‘I did. I do.’

‘Then let them sort it out between them. If you want my advice, don’t get involved.’

‘Is that what you think too, Madi?’

‘None of my business, Faith.’ Madi couldn’t help remembering that glimpse of young Joe and his friend just days ago, and how she’d told herself that very same thing then. None of my business indeed. ‘But I think Tom’s right. Stay out of it. Meddling in our children’s lives never ends well. If you don’t want to end up doing the wrong thing, it’s often best to do nothing. Say nothing.’

‘Families, eh? Have you ever put your foot in it, Madi? Done the wrong thing, but for all the right reasons?’

‘Too many times to mention! And once you mess up, it can be a struggle knowing how to put things right again. Best not to mess up in the first place.’

Madi could feel Tom’s eyes on her. He knew exactly what she was thinking about. George.

‘So, shall I show you around?’ Faith bustled to her feet. ‘Excuse the mess!’

‘That would be lovely.’

After a leisurely tour of the house, which made Madi feel like a bit of an intruder as Faith insisted on opening every door, even the one for the toilet, and showing off what seemed like every last cobwebbed corner, it was time to go.

‘Come on, Madi. I’m sure Faith has things to do, Stuart’s dinner to cook …’

‘Well, it was nice to see you both … together.’

Tom smiled. ‘We’ve been out. Visiting Barbara,’ he added, cutting off any further enquiry. ‘You should come and see her yourself. It’s been a long time.’

‘Oh, yes.’ Faith looked flustered. ‘I will. It’s just that … well, I find that sort of thing difficult. I wouldn’t really know what to say.’

‘I think you’ll find she’s the one who doesn’t know what to say. Sometimes she doesn’t even know her own name. But she’s still Barbara, underneath, and you were good friends once.’

‘I’m sorry, Tom. It’s just …’

‘I know. And I’ll leave it up to you. Thanks for the tea. And the cake. It was delicious, as always.’

They walked back to Tom’s car, Faith waving them off and then hurrying back inside.

‘Come on, hop in. It may only be a few yards home and you could walk it almost as quickly, but we set out together and we’ll arrive back together. Let the gossips have their day!’