Nory felt the energy in the room change, and she knew Jenna and Ameerah were as concerned as she was. Camille’s face was strained. For once, Nory was glad that straight-talking Pippa wasn’t there. Nory rubbed Camille’s arm tentatively, but it was Jenna who asked what they were all thinking. She knelt down in front of Camille and took her hands, forcing Camille to look at her.

“Are you okay, Camille? Like are you, really, okay?”

“I don’t know,” Camille replied. “I’m so tired. I’m not even sure I know enough about who I am anymore to know if I’m okay.”

“Have you tried talking to Guy about how you feel?” Nory asked.

Camille gave another dry laugh. “Have you ever tried talking to Guy about feelings?” she asked.

“Fair point,” Nory agreed. “But we’re not married to him.” Thank god! she thought. “You’re supposed to be a partnership. You should be able to talk to him, and he needs to listen to what you have to say. Because despite what you feel about yourself, what you have to say is valid.”

“And we all love Guy,” said Jenna. “But equally, we’re not blind to his faults.”

“He needs to be more supportive,” said Ameerah. “He needs to step up and stop being such a selfish man-baby.”

Camille had tears in her eyes, but at this she actually giggled. “That’s exactly what he is.” She laughed, wiping her eyes on the back of her hand. “I’m sorry I blurted all that out at you,” she added, embarrassed. “I didn’t mean to, it just kind of came out.”

“That’s what happens when you bottle things up,” said Nory. “Eventually the pressure gets too much, and you spring a leak, like a submarine that’s gone too deep.”

“Always one for a peculiar analogy, our Nory.” Ameerah smiled.

“If you need to talk, then we’re here for you,” said Jenna sincerely, and the others agreed.

“Thank you.” Camille sniffed, pushed her short, curly hair behind her ears, and stood. “Well, I’m going to go and lose myself in that book for a while.”

“Why don’t I ask the kitchen if they could send some cocoa up to your room?” Jenna suggested.

“That would be lovely, thank you. Thank you, to all of you, again. Good night.”

Camille left the room, and Jenna went off to see about the cocoa.

“Do you think we should do something?” asked Nory.

“Like what?” asked Ameerah.

“I don’t know.”

“We’ll keep an eye on her. We’ve got a few days yet.”

“That sounds like a plan. I’ll tell Jez too.”

“I think she could use some counseling or something,” said Ameerah.

“Something for sure,” agreed Nory.

“I vote myself not to be the one to tell Guy.” Ameerah grimaced.

“Oh, I think we’ll leave that to Charles.”