‘Is there something I can do for you, Stuart?’ There was a coldness to her tone that did not, she thought, reflect the way she felt.

‘I just wanted to hear your voice.’

Kate closed her eyes. ‘Please don’t do this.’

‘I’m not doing anything, love. I’m just lonelier than I’ve ever been in my life and hearing you or the kids on the phone is all I live for.’

‘I’m sure there are many women in Moscow who would be only too pleased to console you.’

‘That’s a bit beneath you, if I may say so. I’m not here wallowing in self-pity, just telling you the truth. Do you have any idea when I might be able to see the kids again?’

‘You mean after the last time went so well?’

‘That was hardly my fault. And, from what I could gather, it might have been the making of your career.’

It was said with some edge to it. Stuart had always accused Kate of putting her work before their family. ‘I have to go,’ she said.

‘How is Fiona?’

‘She’s fine. She’s staying with Jed.’

‘Blimey. I’m surprised you’re allowing that.’

‘You might be surprised at a lot of things. But it all changed the day you left.’

‘All right, fair enough. I suppose I deserved that.’

‘Goodbye, Stuart.’

‘Goodbye, love. I miss you, though I know you don’t want to hear that.’

‘I don’t. And if you keep saying it, I won’t take your calls.’

Kate pressed the end button and walked through to the kitchen to give Gus back his phone.

‘How was he?’

‘He’s missing you,’ Kate said.

‘You mean all of us?’

Kate looked at her son, who occasionally exhibited a maturity that surprised her. ‘He’s very lonely there. But . . .’

‘He made his bed, so he has to lie in it?’

‘I don’t think I’d put it quite like that.’

Gus held up his phone. ‘Anyway, thanks for letting me speak to him.’ He headed for the door.

‘Do you talk to him often?’ Kate asked.

He turned back, looking shifty. He was certainly not a good liar. ‘I guess so.’

‘Every day?’

‘Most.’

Kate forced herself to smile. ‘That’s good. I’m glad. It’s exactly as it should be.’

Gus smiled back at her, his face flooded with relief and warmth. ‘Thanks, Mum. You’re the best.’

He disappeared up the stairs. Kate fed Nelson, who picked at his food with disdain, and started to think about supper. She put on some music and gradually felt the tension ease in her shoulders, losing herself sufficiently in the therapeutic process of cooking to miss Rose’s key in the front door. ‘Sorry I’m late,’ her aunt said, as she placed her bag on the side and hung up her coat.