I could suggest that she’s perfectly capable of getting up and making her own tea and then she’d have no cause to complain, but I don’t. It would be a total waste of my breath as, sadly, I lost that argument quite some time ago. Instead, I scoop up the laundry – the sheets I changed yesterday, the nightdress that was swapped for a fresh one this morning – and head back downstairs.

This is my life, like it or lump it. And I simply have to man up and get on with it.

Chapter Two

Chapter Two

When I go into the kitchen, Lija has already stripped off her coat and is taking some eggs from the fridge.

‘Morning,’ I say as I go to shove the washing in the machine and set it going. I can iron it tonight when I’m watching the episode of Escape to the Country that I’ve recorded. My guilty pleasure. ‘Shall we go out and clean the furniture now while it’s fine? It’s forecast to rain later and we can come in and bake then.’

This afternoon, if all goes to plan, we’re going to try out some new recipes.

‘Is always bloody raining,’ my assistant grumbles. ‘Rain, rain, rain.’

Lija Vilks is young, lithe and Latvian. She’s not really an ideal assistant for a customer-facing business as she’s quite spiky. Particularly with the customers. On the other hand, she’s a great and loyal worker who can turn her hand to pretty much anything. She bakes the most wonderful cakes, which, if I’m honest, are far better than mine. You’ve never had carrot cake until you’ve tasted Lija’s, and I’d swear that her chocolate brownies could win awards. She is a sweary, Goth version of the goddess Mary Berry.

‘How is Old Bag today?’ Lija throws a disdainful glance at the ceiling, above which my dear mother reposes.

‘Not great,’ I admit. ‘She won’t go to the respite-care place, no matter what I say. I’m going to have to ring and cancel it.’

Lija tuts. She’s not my mother’s biggest fan. But then my mother isn’t hers either.

‘I’ve tried,’ I say. ‘I don’t know what else I can do. We’ll just have to work round her.’

‘Can you get nurse in?’

‘I can’t afford it, Lija. There’s just not enough cash in the pot.’ I let out a heartfelt sigh. ‘I wish Edie would come back and help. Even if it’s for a week or two. Perhaps I’ll have another talk with her later.’

‘Good luck with that.’ Lija gives me a black look.