Hugh felt bruised and battered and certainly in no mood to argue with her. The pills had helped ease the pain in his chest over the past few months, and he’d only used them sparingly – but he silently admitted that he’d known for some time that this heart attack was waiting to happen – and he had young Millicent to thank for her quick thinking and courage. ‘Don’t fuss,’ he said as he put the mask back on. ‘I’ll be right soon enough.’

‘You’ll be right if you listen to Mum’s advice for once,’ said Terence as he checked his pulse and adjusted the drip that was attached to a needle in his arm. ‘It’s time you slowed down, Dad, and took things easy.’

‘You’ve seen what it’s like here,’ he muttered. ‘How can I?’

Terence placed his hand on his shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. ‘I’ll think of something. Don’t worry about it now.’

‘We’re all just so glad you made it back in one piece,’ said Becky, who was also looking tired and drawn. ‘You must have been very close to that awful fire, and we were worried sick.’

‘Is it out? Where’s Danny?’

She gave him a weary smile. ‘Danny’s safe, and Ben reported in to say the fire at Wilga is now under control. Delilah’s gone to stay with Django’s family until she can go back to Carey Downs, and Millicent’s children are asleep in the nursery. She’s had all the necessary checks and is now tucked up with her baby on the ward. So you can stop worrying about everyone and start concentrating on getting yourself well.’

Hugh closed his eyes and sighed with relief. Everyone was all right. He could rest now.

But then he heard his mother’s voice in a heated, whispered argument before she determinedly ordered everyone out of the room. It seemed he would not be allowed to sleep just yet.

The tap of her walking stick heralded her approach, and he regarded her with concern as she sat down. She looked troubled – seemed to have aged since he’d seen her last, to have shrunk and become bowed by the weight of all that had happened.

He battled against the drugs that were making him drowsy and took her hand. ‘I’m sorry I gave everyone a fright,’ he managed. ‘Go to bed and rest, Ma. I’ll be right soon enough.’

Her expression was solemn as she looked back at him. ‘There’s something I have to tell you, Hugh,’ she said softly. ‘It’s about Max.’