Olivia removed her jacket. ‘That’s him all over. He could be knocking on death’s door but he’d still be more worried about his money.’ She tutted impatiently. ‘Where is he?’

Annie glanced in the direction of the stairs. ‘In bed, same as he’s been these past few months.’

‘Months!’ repeated Olivia, her tone incredulous. ‘Shouldn’t he be in hospital if he’s that unwell?’

Annie rolled her eyes. ‘He won’t go because he’s worried that if word gets out that he’s in hospital, they’ll fleece him in the factory.’ She tutted. ‘Poor old Mr Connolly’s doing his best to keep things afloat with the business, but he’s not cut out to work in an office. Your father only put him in charge because he’s the most senior person on the shop floor, and your father’s a hard task-master, barking his orders then reprimanding folk because he reckons they’re not pulling their weight. He’s the same with me, and he’s awfully rude to Doctor Palmer.’

‘Same old Dad,’ muttered Olivia, ‘pushing people away when they’re trying to help him.’ She handed her jacket to Annie. ‘I’ll just nip up and see him …’

Annie shot out a detaining arm. ‘Make sure you’re on your toes – it’s not uncommon for him to throw things when he loses his temper.’

Olivia raised her brows. ‘Nothing new there, then.’

Annie continued. ‘Your father refused to take his medication, claiming it was doing him more harm than good; he’s even accused me of making him ill, so Doctor Palmer suggested crushing his tablets and hiding them in his food, which worked just fine until he realised what was going on – that’s when he started accusing me of trying to kill him.’ She shook her head sadly. ‘He won’t listen to reason. I tried explaining that I was doing it for his own good, but he’s convinced otherwise.’

‘So what exactly is the matter with him?’

‘He keeps getting infections, whether it be chest, water or the trots.’ She grimaced. ‘Doctor Palmer says your father keeps getting ill because he’s run down and stressed out; not only that but he doesn’t take his medication.’ She raised her hands and shrugged. ‘It’s like a vicious circle, not helped by the fact he hardly eats anything because he doesn’t trust anyone.’

Olivia patted Annie’s hand. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll have a word with him, make him see sense.’

‘I hope so,’ said Annie.

Looking at Ted, Olivia jerked her head in the direction of the door to her father’s room. ‘Ready?’

Ted looked doubtful. ‘Are you sure it’s a good idea, me coming with you? Only he doesn’t trust me, never has, and I don’t think it’s a good idea to exacerbate the situation.’

‘He’s being cantankerous and bossy because he can, but I won’t let him treat us that way, so yes, I do think it’s a good idea that you come too. He just needs a stiff talking to.’