A look of concern flickered across her face. ‘Is it me?’

He lifted his hand and laid it on her arm. ‘No. It’s not you.’

‘What then?’

‘Oh, I was just thinking. You get married because you want to be together, because you just want each other. And then children come along and it all changes. You try your best to make sure that you still care for each other, that you give each other time, and yet it all gets a bit diluted. You’re so busy sorting the kids out, worrying about them, ferrying them here and there–they become the entire focus of your life. Then they go and suddenly you’re on your own again. You still worry about them–more if anything–but you can’t really do anything constructive. So you have to pick up the pieces and start all over again with each other.’

‘Is that what it feels like?’ she asked. ‘Starting all over again?’

‘Not completely. It’s different. You’re sort of starting from a different place. Can you see what I mean?’

‘Yes. I suppose it happens to every couple with kids.’

‘Those that are still together. By the way, I saw Kate Devon today.’

The introspective mood was broken. Probably, thought Tiger, for the better. ‘What?’ Erica was surprised. ‘Where?’

‘I had to fly her from the City Airport to Southampton.’

‘Well…what did she say…what did she look like…was she with a man…?’

‘Er, answering those one at a time, she said very little, looked stunning–dripping with gold–and was on her way to meet her man who’s called Howie and who’s clearly not without a bob or two.’

‘Oh, poor Christopher.’

‘Why poor Christopher?’

‘I don’t know. It’s just that I suppose I’d always hoped they’d get back together.’

‘I thought it was me who was meant to stick up for the man and you had to take the woman’s part.’

‘Not necessarily. I can see why she went. I’m not blaming her. But Christopher’s not a bad soul–he’s not over keen on the bottle or too physical or anything like that. Just totally wrapped up in his job. Well, he was wrapped up in his job. I just wish she’d had more patience, that’s all.’

‘I suppose she’d argue that she was patient for twenty-odd years.’ He paused. ‘I wonder if I should tell Christopher. About Howie, I mean.’

‘He probably knows.’

‘He never says anything. Never mentions Kate at all. It’s as if she didn’t exist.’ Tiger handed her the bar of soap. ‘Do my back?’

‘Go on!’ She pushed him forward and began to soap his shoulders.

‘I was talking to Christopher and Gary at the pub.’

‘Mmm?’

‘About…well…this sort of feeling that you can’t make much of a difference any more.’

‘Is that how they feel as well?’