Frank,

It has become clear to me that we cannot go on like this, and I’m exhausted from all the unpleasantness my exciting news has caused. You’ve refused to accept that I need to do something more than keep house for a man who seems to prefer his fishing and the company of others rather than spend time with me. You have shown little interest in my job, have consistently taken the side of those who’ve been against me and caused me hurt – and the time has come for me to follow my dreams and ambitions and make a new life for myself where I will be truly appreciated.

The new promotion means I have the chance to leave Tamarisk Bay and the house which has become a prison to me ever since the loss of my boys, and to prove to myself that I’m worth much more than people expect of me.

I will write once I’m settled in the flat the Red Cross is providing, but I have no wish to see you again, which I’m sure will come as a great relief to you. I ask for nothing from you except your agreement to the divorce proceedings which I will begin as soon as possible so we can both be free.

Should Brendon want to see me, then of course he’d be welcome, but only if he’s alone. Peggy and Ron will no doubt rally round and make a fuss, but that’s only to be expected as they never were able to resist meddling in things that don’t concern them. As for my mother and sister – they’ve never shown the slightest interest in what happens to me, so I’ll leave you to tell them. Personally, I’m glad to see the back of all of them, and am delighted to be shaking off the dust of Cliffehaven and heading for pastures new.

Pauline

Peggy dropped the letter as if the barbed words had stung her. She reached for Frank’s hand. ‘I’m so sorry, Frank,’ she murmured. ‘It was a nasty thing for you and Brendon to come home to.’

‘Aye. It wasn’t pleasant,’ he said on a sigh. He picked up the letter and shoved it back in the envelope. ‘But neither was it a real surprise,’ he added. ‘Things had come to a head over this promotion, and although I did my best to dissuade her, I can’t say that my heart was fully in it, and she must have realised that.’

Peggy regarded the big man sitting opposite her, and wished she had the words to comfort him. He’d tried so hard to keep his marriage going over the years – had been faithful and caring even when Pauline had been at her worst. He must have been shocked by the letter, and seen her desertion as a betrayal.

‘Don’t feel sorry for me, Peg,’ he said, shifting in the chair. ‘It’s Brendon who’s been hurt by this. But even he realised things had gone too far this time, and although it might take a while, he’ll accept his mother’s reason for leaving and keep in touch with her.’