Briony didn’t laugh, as usual, but said seriously, ‘Is he still batting away from home then?’

‘Not that I know of, but I won’t give the bugger a chance. They’re all the same, men - a flash of teeth, a pair of tits and they’re undone.’

Briony’s voice was cold. ‘Not all men are like that.’

Bernadette laughed softly. ‘Ain’t they? Then why have you built a fortune on your houses? Most men play the field; it’s just some are cleverer than others. As for my Marcus, even Pan’s People on the telly have him riveted to his seat! I tell you what, if dick was brains he’d been another Magnus Pike!’

‘Tommy wouldn’t do it to me.’

Bernadette took the flannel off her forehead and raised herself gently on her shoulders. ‘Who said anything about Tommy?’

Briony shrugged. ‘No one, I’m just saying he wouldn’t do it to me, that’s all.’

‘Well,’ Bernie said grudgingly, ‘he seems all right. I mean you think about it, Bri, he’s no children, nothing, has he? He gave up a lot for you if you could only see it. That man’s a diamond and you’ve never really appreciated that fact.’

‘Well, I wouldn’t go through all you do, no man’s worth that pain.’

Bernie grinned painfully. ‘In another week, I’ll look the dog’s gonads, as Boysie used to say. Then it’ll all have been worth it.’

‘Boysie also used to say that one day you’d come out of the clinic with a beard and your belly button on your forehead!’

Bernadette sighed heavily. ‘I thought you was going to cheer me up! Instead you’re sitting there taking the piss!’

Marcus walked into the room and saved Briony from answering. ‘Cissy’s just rang, your Mum’s up and looking for you, Bri.’

Briony stood up and, saying goodbye to a subdued Bernadette, she walked down the stairs with Marcus. ‘Can I ask you something personal, Marcus?’

‘Course you can.’

‘Do you still play around?’

Marcus laughed and the laugh turned into a heavy smoker’s cough. ‘Chance would be a fine thing! I ask you, Briony, at my age?’

Briony smiled and left the house. She was taking her mother to church and she quickened her step. She was looking forward to Mass this afternoon.

‘Are you sure you’re not coming, Tommy? Only your name’s on the visiting order as well. This is the second visit you’ve missed this month.’

‘Honestly, Bri, I feel rough, the ferry crossing will knacker me. You go with Delia and give Danny my best.’

‘All right then. I’m picking Delia up on me way. See you later if you’re in!’