Mum was instantly on the defensive. She hated talking about my aunt Amanda. ‘We’re not in touch any more.’

‘No. I heard. Well, these things happen.’ Ingrid permitted her a small smile that was almost as unnerving as her scowl, and turned back to Ava. ‘Were you expecting an email from someone in particular?’

‘No,’ Ava growled, and put the phone back in her pocket.

‘Oh. There isn’t anyone special, then? You’re sixteen, aren’t you? And quite attractive. I wouldn’t have thought it would be too difficult for you to find yourself a boyfriend.’

Ava went an even brighter red than before. ‘I don’t need a boyfriend.’

‘Probably just as well you’re unattached, since you’re just about to move house. Young love so rarely survives physical distance. At that age, people seem to need constant reminding of just what it is they’re supposed to be so hot under the collar about. Anyway, Mark tells me you’re clever, and boys can be terribly distracting. All it takes is for one man who isn’t a complete toad to compliment you on your brain and not your looks, and then…’ She shrugged. ‘Infatuation is almost entirely incompatible with studying for examinations. Believe me, I know. I was thought to be quite clever myself, at one time. And then I met my late husband.’ She waved a hand rather dismissively in the direction of the picture of the bald man behind the pot plant. ‘There was a time when I was besotted with him. Every woman should know that kind of passion at least once in her life. Even if it doesn’t last. Anyway, I take it you’ve got all of that out of your system, Jenny, being at a quite different stage in life, and having been married once already?’

Now it was Mum’s turn to blush. ‘I’m very much in love with your son,’ she said.

‘Mm-hm,’ Ingrid said, as if Mum might be or might not be, but it really wasn’t for her to judge. She sipped a little more sherry and set her glass down on the occasional table next to her. ‘I’m sure you’re aware that Mark and I are very close. It’s inevitable, really, with a widowed mother and an only child. And he is a good son. You’ll find him an excellent husband. And father. He’s at a stage in life now where he really wants it and is very much ready for it. You’ll understand, I’m sure, Jenny, that I was rather concerned about him committing himself to another relationship so soon after a very painful divorce. You’ll be familiar with the strength of the protective instinct. I really would do anything for him. I would lay down my life for him.’

‘Of course,’ Mum murmured, looking distinctively unnerved.

‘But I must say, now that I’m familiar with all of the circumstances, I’m absolutely delighted that everything has worked out so well,’ Ingrid said, and treated us all to a magnanimous smile. ‘I can’t tell you how pleased I am to suddenly find myself a grandmother several times over. My neighbours here are going through quite the adjustment, given that they all had to go round feeling sorry for me not so long ago. And as for Mark’s unfortunate ex-wife…’