Pausing, she gathered her thoughts. ‘But then I asked myself, what would it achieve? Sandra’s gone, and nothing can bring her back. Not revenge, not guilt, and not using a poor unborn child to make him feel shame.’

Molly said nothing. There was nothing more she could say that hadn’t already been said.

‘Then there’s Lottie. She obviously knew nothing of his past relationship with Sandra, and it seems she thinks the world of him. From what you told me, before we either of us knew who he was, Lottie is happier than she’s ever been.’

‘I’m sorry, Rosie. So deeply sorry that it all turned out like this.’

‘Ah, sure, you’ve nothing to be sorry about, lass. We were none of us to know what lay in store, and maybe it’s just as well. All I’m saying is, I can’t believe it will do anybody any good if I were to tell that young man how Sandra was carrying his bairn.’ Looking Molly in the eye, she asked pointedly, ‘Am I right, now?’

Molly felt a profound sense of relief. ‘Right or wrong, I would have made exactly the same decision,’ she answered honestly.

Taking a deep breath, Rosie visibly relaxed. ‘That’s good, lass. Sure, it’s what I hoped you’d say.’

So, it was settled. Dave would never know the truth, and Lottie would not be made to feel guilty. Sandra’s secret would be safe with Rosie and Molly. The two of them had talked it through and nothing further would be said.

But Rosie had another confession. ‘I’ve had this a few days now,’ she told Molly. ‘I wasn’t sure whether to show it you or not.’ Taking a folded card out of her pocket, she handed it to Molly.

The first two words, Dearest Rosie, brought a gasp of astonishment from Molly. At once, she had recognised her own mother’s handwriting. ‘It’s from Mam!’

Rosie settled back in her chair. ‘I don’t mind telling you, it was a shock for me an’ all.’

Not wanting to read it, but unable to help herself, Molly read the letter aloud:

Dearest Rosie,

I know I’m probably the last person in the world you expected to hear from, and I hope this letter doesn’t add to your distress.

I saw the newspaper the other day, and was shocked to learn about your Sandra. I can’t imagine how you must be feeling. All I know is how I would feel if it was my Molly, or one of the others.

I know I did a bad thing in leaving them, but it doesn’t mean to say I don’t love them, because I do.

My heart goes out to you, Rosie. We’ve been good friends over the years, and I’m thinking of you in your loss.

I want you to know you are never far from my mind. I miss you, and I miss my children.

I’ve enclosed some money. Please, if it’s not too painful, will you buy some flowers and take them to Sandra, with my love.

God bless you, Rosie.

All my love,

Amy.