‘Right. No. I do see that. Of course. A new chapter. So you’ll sell?’

I made a face. ‘Terrible time, don’t you think?’

‘Yes, ghastly. Nothing’s moving. So, maybe let it?’

‘That’s what I thought,’ I said anxiously. ‘What d’you think?’

‘Definitely let it. Till the market improves. I’ll tell you when. But Luce, to live with Mum and Dad … talk about falling on your sword.’

‘Well it won’t be forever, will it? Let’s be realistic.’ We watched as Imo helped our mother towards the door. Mum glanced across at us and Helena and I nipped to our feet. We kissed them all goodbye, promising to see them very soon. Then, with Imo’s assurances that she’d manage, and with Ned slowly walking with my father, chatting and smiling the while and watching carefully as he shuffled down the step to the garden in his orthopaedic shoes, we resumed our seats.

‘You mean,’ Helena went on in a hushed tone, ‘you’d stay until …?’

‘I don’t know,’ I said quickly, not knowing the answer to this myself. I shrugged. ‘God – who knows what will happen? Which one will go first? Whether they’ll need care?’ I hesitated. ‘What I don’t want, though, is to be tied to any decision I make now.’

‘Oh God, absolutely,’ she said vehemently. ‘You know I’d never do that.’

‘No, I know you wouldn’t. And I didn’t mean you, really. I meant myself, actually. Don’t want to feel any guilt, should I change my plans. I don’t want any firm plans about the future. I just want to see how it goes.’

Helena nodded slowly. ‘Well, I won’t pretend it’s not a huge relief, Luce. But you know as well as I do, the longer you stay, the harder it’ll be to leave. Talk about the martyr’s crown.’ I swallowed and averted my eyes. She wasn’t to know I rather needed one. ‘And if there’s one person who actually deserves a break, who deserves to live a little, it’s you.’

‘Yes, but that was never going to happen immediately, was it?’

‘Why not? Let’s not pretend you’ve just lost a beloved husband. You’ve had your emotional life on hold for years. You don’t need some ostensible period of recovery.’

‘No, but I need a period of readjustment. Just to be me. To be on my own, without anyone. Surely you can see that?’

‘Well, you won’t be on your own, will you? You’ll be with them.’ She was quiet for a moment as she mulled it all over. As ever, a plan began to form. Helena loved a plan. I saw it taking shape in her head. She picked up her drink and sipped it: pretended to sound casual.

‘Daniel De Courcy has always rather held a candle for you, you know.’

‘Helena!’