‘I’ve told you before that there’s no need to worry about me,’ Naomi said, her expression as neutral as her voice. ‘Although that’s not to say I don’t appreciate your concern,’ she added.

In all probability it would have been Martha who had instigated things and Willow would have been jockeyed along, but Naomi couldn’t help but feel disagreeably cross at her daughters for colluding behind her back the way they had.

‘Wouldn’t you like a smaller and more manageable house, though?’ said Martha

‘No. And when the time comes, when there are grandchildren, trust me, the more space there is, the better.’

‘But wouldn’t you like to live nearer your grandchildren,’ Martha persisted, ‘when that day comes?’

No two ways about it, the girl was her father’s daughter; once she was set on a course, there was no dissuading her. Colin had been just the same. Many a time both he and Martha had, and for quite different reasons, buzzed about the house like angry bluebottles relentlessly hurling themselves against the window looking for a way out.

‘But it’s my home,’ asserted Naomi. ‘It’s your home too.’

‘Of course it is. But only earlier in the kitchen you said that you felt the need to shake things up. What better way to do that than move somewhere new that would give you new horizons to explore with lots of new possibilities? And with the added advantage of being nearer to Willow and me.’

Naomi didn’t trust herself to speak, so she filled her water glass and took a sip from it.

‘I don’t think it’s anything you should rush into, Mum,’ said Willow. Avoiding her sister’s eye, her tone was placating.

‘Maybe it’s something to think about in a few years’ time,’ said Tom, ever the diplomat. ‘Just something to mull over. There’s no rush.’ He turned to Martha. ‘Is there?’

‘I know I’m a relative newcomer to the family,’ joined in Rick, ‘so maybe I shouldn’t say anything, but this is an exceptionally beautiful house and the location is stunning.’ He twisted round in his seat and indicated the garden and, beyond it, the view of the sea glittering in the bright sunshine. ‘And if it were mine, I would only give this up if I really had to.’

Naomi smiled gratefully at Rick. ‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘I couldn’t have put it better myself.’

To Naomi’s left, Martha slowly sat up straighter. ‘Well, Rick,’ she said quietly, ‘as you rightly say, you’re a newcomer to the family, technically an outsider, so on this subject maybe you should keep your opinions to yourself.’

‘Martha,’ warned Tom. ‘That’s uncalled for.’

‘Yes,’ agreed Willow, ‘there’s no need to be rude to Rick. He’s only trying to offer another viewpoint.’

Rick raised his hands. ‘Hey, it’s okay, I should have kept quiet. I apologise. How about Tom and I clear the table and leave you three girls to chat amongst yourselves? How does that sound?’

‘Good idea,’ said Tom, on his feet and gathering up the empty plates. He probably couldn’t wait to escape.