Annette had loved Marias in her own way, but they had just been so different in their outlook to life. Marias had enjoyed a quiet family life, which was what he was used to, whereas Annette wanted fun and excitement.

Annette decided she was not going to be a widow for the rest of her life. She started making plans with Carlos, and shortly after Marias’s funeral she approached Miriam.

‘I’ve decided to go back to my family in England, Miriam. There is nothing for me here now. I need a fresh start; this place has too many memories,’ she had said, then put her hands to her face and started to cry. The tears were not for Marias, they were for herself.

Annette was wearing black again, and would be expected to visit that little church in the vineyard grounds, that Miriam loved so much, and pray for Marias. She had tried to play on Miriam’s sympathy, but it wasn’t working.

‘I understand, Annette,’ said Miriam, for the first time seeing her cold-hearted daughter-in-law for what she truly was. She had only ever wanted Marias’s money, and didn’t care for anyone but herself. ‘While you’re getting yourself sorted out back in England, why don’t you leave little Antonias here?’ She had just lost her son, she didn’t want to lose her grandson, as well.

Annette ignored the question about Antonias; she knew he was all Miriam cared about now. ‘I’ll need money,’ she said, ‘to find us both somewhere to live. Did Marias make a will or some sort of arrangement for us?’ She knew Miriam didn’t give a fig about her. As far as her mother-in-law was concerned, Annette could leave without a penny. That wasn’t going to happen, however, and so she persisted. ‘Can I have my share of the vineyard? Surely, I am entitled to something.’ She cleared her throat. ‘Actually, I don’t want the vineyard, just Marias’s money. I am his widow, after all, and I have our son to look after. Antonias, at least, has a share in all of this.’

Annette was pushing the subject hard, now.

Miriam nodded. Now she understood. Annette was prepared to sell Antonias to her, he was her bargaining tool.

Annette knew that if she let the boy stay, should she ever need any more money, she could blackmail Miriam – all she’d have to do would be to get in touch and let her know she was going to take Antonias away from her, and she would pay. Stupid old woman.

‘How much do you think you would need, Annette?’ said Miriam. Her voice was calm, although she was sick to her stomach. She knew Annette’s intentions were not honourable. If she had been truly grief-stricken and wanting to go home, Miriam would have understood, but she felt this was more to do with Carlos than Antonias.

Both women knew exactly what they were talking about, although neither of them would say the words: Annette would leave Antonias behind for a price.