Ruby searched the thin plain face. She had long ago begun to discern that her sister was a complex human being, even before the bombshell that had torn their family apart. She herself was relatively straightforward, she felt. She was like her da in that way, and her mother wasn’t exactly complicated either. But Olive – she was different. Whether it was her looks, or lack of them, that had made her sister so, she didn’t know, but Olive was impossible to fathom. One thing she did know, though, was that Olive never lied. There were times in the past, especially where she herself was concerned, when Olive’s honesty had a poisonous edge to it that could cut to the quick, but she always spoke the truth.

Now Ruby said quietly, ‘If you say so, I believe you. I’m surprised –’ her eyebrows lifted wryly – ‘but I believe you.’ A slight smile touched her lips as she added, ‘I bet you were surprised too.’

Olive stared at her and then her tense face relaxed a little. ‘I didn’t plan that night at Adam’s mam’s, not – not exactly. I mean, not in the way of days beforehand or anything like that. When his brothers carried him upstairs and I went up after I was only thinking if he thought I was you and I got him to kiss me, it’d cause a row between you. I didn’t think . . .’ She shook her head. ‘I was stupid. Stupid and spiteful and horrible, and I know saying sorry can never be enough.’

‘Why did you hate me so much? What did I ever do to you to make you want to hurt me?’

‘Nothing. You didn’t do anything. You were just you. Pretty, popular, funny, clever; everything I’m not, I suppose. Right from when you were born people compared us. I used to see them and I knew what they were thinking even if they didn’t say it out loud, although some did, of course. Great-Aunt Alma – you can’t remember her, I shouldn’t think, she died before you started school – well, every time she came round she used to pat me on the head and say to Mam, “Poor Olive, it’s a crying shame.” Every single time. When I knew she’d died I was so glad.’

‘Oh, Olive.’

‘And the bairns at school, they were so cruel, especially the lads. When Alice was born I was so thankful she didn’t take after me. But it wasn’t your fault, I know that now. Perhaps I always knew but I had to have someone to blame and so I told myself I hated you, that if you hadn’t been born everything would have been all right. If you tell yourself something often enough, you can make yourself believe it.’

Ruby bit on her lip. It was some seconds before she was able to say, ‘And now?’