Annie’s lips formed a thin line. ‘In the beginning your father was convinced he was dying, and Doctor Palmer warned him at the time that such thoughts could become self-fulfilling prophecies, if you didn’t shake them.’ She smiled grimly. ‘From what I’ve seen I think the doc’s right.’

Olivia looked up at Ted. ‘I know we’re meant to travel to Glasgow tonight, but would you mind if we stayed here overnight and leave for Glasgow first thing in the morning?’

‘Of course I don’t mind, take as long as you need. There will be plenty of other opportunities.’

She smiled at him gratefully. ‘Thanks, Ted. I know it can’t be easy for you to be nice to my father, not after all he’s done, but that’s why I love you, because you’re the better man.’

Ted grinned. ‘It’s not easy being perfect.’

She aimed a playful swipe at his chest. ‘Come on, Mr Perfect, you can help me make the scouse.’

He pulled a face. ‘I can peel and chop stuff but that’s where it ends.’

‘That’ll do!’ said Olivia. She pointed to a drawer. ‘Knives are in there. I’ll fetch the veggies.’

Annie looked round expectantly. ‘What would you like me to do, dear?’

Olivia chuckled. ‘Nothing, thanks, Annie. He’s only agreed to eat it if I make it. I certainly won’t be telling him Ted had a hand in the preparation, because he’d definitely not touch a mouthful if I did.’

‘Then I shall leave you to it. If you need me, I shall be in the washroom, darning socks.’

When Annie had left the room Olivia ran a few ideas past Ted. ‘If I can get Dad to take his tablets tonight, and another lot before we leave in the morning, then I’d be happy enough to go to Glasgow, stay overnight, visit the crematorium, then head back soon after. That’ll give me a few extra days with Dad to get him on the right track. What do you think?’

Ted took the carrots, turnip and swede which Olivia handed him from the pantry and placed them on the table. ‘You can only do your best, but if you stay in regular contact and make sure he’s doing as he’s told, who knows, it might turn things around.’

She brought out the potatoes and headed back to see what, if any, meat they had. ‘If he doesn’t listen to me, he’ll end up in hospital whether he likes it or not,’ she said. ‘As you say, I can only do my best.’

Ted looked up from the carrot he was peeling. ‘I never thought I’d see your father looking so frail.’

She emerged from the pantry with a small portion of rabbit meat. ‘Me neither – he’s always been rotund.’