‘Can you do anything?’

‘I certainly can. Her teeth are in quite a bad way too, but that’s largely down to her age. Lots of plaque building up. I’m going to have to take her into the surgery, I’m afraid, and lance that abscess before it bursts. We don’t want her running the risk of a dangerous infection. We can sort out a little op to clean up her teeth later. Can you look after her while I pop back for a carrier?’

‘Yes, of course. Is it serious? Should I contact Prue and get her home?’

‘Depends. Is she somewhere she’ll want to rush back from, or would we simply be spoiling things for her? I don’t know what you’ve been told about my idiot of a brother, but I think Prue probably needs this time away, from him and the village, and all of us. Gossip is not a nice thing to have to deal with. And neither is rejection, especially when it’s been done so publicly. I could knock Joe’s block off, to be honest with you, but what’s done is done. And, poorly though Flo is right now, I can promise you she’s not about to die. So, let’s keep shtum and allow Prue to enjoy her holiday, shall we? I’ll take good care of Flo and I’ll let you know if things change.’

Madi sat on the carpet and stroked the cat lightly with the tips of her fingers until Ralph returned ten minutes later with a plastic carrier. There was only the smallest of plaintive objections from Flo, who was clearly not feeling her usual self, as he lifted her in and closed the grille.

‘I’ll take a proper look and get the abscess treated as soon as we’re back at the surgery.’

‘But you’d finished for the evening.’

‘Ha! A vet’s life can’t be run by the clock. Animals get sick at all times of the day and night. Sian will come in and assist. It’s very much a family business, or two families really, and it certainly helps that we all live so close to the surgery! We’ll make Flo comfy for an overnight stay, and we’ll take it from there in the morning. And don’t worry, Madi. All will be well.’

But, of course, she did worry. How could she not? She must have woken at least three times during the night, aware of Flo’s absence beside her on the bed, her dreams taking her to places she would much rather not have gone. Was this what it was like, to share your life with another being? It had been so long since she had had to worry about anyone but herself.