Lauren zoned out while the private conversation continued. This was part of being in love with a family man, she told herself. These things happened.

‘Put me back on to Mummy.’ He mouthed to Lauren, ‘Sorry.’ She filled her glass again and knocked it back. ‘I think you should take him down to the walk-in centre,’ Jude advised. ‘He sounded very listless.’

Then more at the other end from Georgia.

Jude stood up and paced to the other side of the room. ‘Don’t cry, darling. I know you’re worried. I’m worried too.’ He glanced anxiously at Lauren. ‘I’ll come back right now. Straight away – I promise. Give me an hour, maybe a bit longer.’ He hung up.

Lauren sighed. She finished her champagne and got up from the bed. ‘I’ll get dressed,’ she said.

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

The mood at work is so exciting. There’s a real buzz about the place and everyone is talking nonstop about Peru. I wish the same could be said about my home.

The atmosphere here is so tense that you could cut it with a knife. Even a very blunt one. It’s fair to say that my husband does not share my enthusiasm for the exotic delights that South America might have to offer.

However, that’s where I’m going, whether Greg likes it or not. I’ve got my sponsorship forms in hand and that’s what I’m going to do next. Lauren is coming up tonight to see me for a couple of hours and I want to make a start on my fundraising before she gets here.

Greg is stomping about, looking very unhappy. He had nothing to say – well, not very much and certainly nothing encouraging – when I told him that I had made my decision and that I was, indeed, going to Peru. When I told him that I was also going to raise the necessary money all by myself, he snorted and disappeared into the garage to do whatever he does with his fishing tackle. I haven’t seen him since.

I leave my travel guide and my itinerary overtly displayed on the kitchen table. If by chance he pops back in and picks them up, then he might find that he’s interested after all. And, he could, if he makes a reasonably quick decision, still change his mind and come along with me.

Ellen wanders in as I’m putting my shoes on. ‘I can’t believe you’re doing this, Mum. It’s not like you.’

‘That’s what your father says.’

‘He probably thinks you’ve cracked.’

I take Ellen’s hand as she passes and pull her to me. ‘I’ve loved being a mum,’ I say, ‘but you two don’t need me any more. Now it’s time for me to do something for me.’