Daniel grinned. ‘Patrick isn’t picking you up. He knows I planned to kidnap you for the day. We need to talk, catch up properly. I got things I have to say to you.’

‘I thought you were avoiding me.’ Queenie’s heart was beating like a drum. She so hoped he couldn’t feel it. She felt a silly teenager all over again.

Daniel tilted Queenie’s chin. She was a lot shorter than him. He kissed her on the forehead. ‘You say your goodbyes to Mum, then I’ll take you out for lunch. I’ll take a slow walk, give you some privacy.’

Queenie didn’t know if she was coming or going as she bent down to say goodbye to Mary. ‘I’ll never forget our last conversation. You asked me, “Is there anything you want to tell me?” Is this what you meant, Mary? Were you encouraging me to open up to you? I’m so sorry for not telling you, but I know you knew I was always in love with Daniel. It was a weak moment, Mary, when you was in hospital that time. In fact it was a few weak moments in the end. But if what Daniel said is correct, you knew about it and didn’t hate me, I’m so relieved. Such a special person you were. A legend, in my eyes. My boys wouldn’t be in the position they are today, if it wasn’t for your sound advice. I owe you so much, I truly do.’ Queenie stared at the headstone for the last time, then bent down and planted a kiss on Mary’s engraved name. ‘Until we meet again, my guardian angel.’

The weather was perfect, sunny with a nice breeze. Queenie was relieved she’d got her hair coloured and cut recently, painted her nails and worn her pretty red and white polka-dot dress.

‘I know a nice quiet little pub, Queenie. The surroundings are pretty and the food is wonderful,’ Daniel grinned.

Queenie put on her dark sunglasses and smiled back. He still had that cheeky lopsided grin, the one that had melted her heart even as a child.

Daniel did most of the talking on the journey. He spoke about Queenie’s mum, said how sorry he was to hear that she’d died. Then he asked about the family.

Queenie kept her answers short. She couldn’t wait to get inside the pub and have a couple of drinks to calm her jangling nerves. Daniel had a lovely suit on and expensive shoes. When he’d put his sunglasses on, he looked like a film star.

The pub was beautiful, a proper little countryside pub. The homecooked food smelled amazing, but Queenie wasn’t hungry. Seeing Daniel had totally killed her appetite, so she asked could they just have a drink now and perhaps eat a bit later.

After a couple of drinks, Queenie felt brave enough to ask some questions herself. ‘Are you in touch with Bridie at all?’

‘No. Bridie turned into the bitch of all bitches. She smashed my car up with a sledgehammer, cut up all my suits, poured paint over my expensive shoes and generally behaved like a lunatic.’