‘Up until now,’ says Max, ‘you’ve been part of a big noisy clan of people and you’ve been swept about in all the activities and excitements that go with being a small part of a large family. But now, suddenly, it’s time to step forward and stand alone. Oh, they’ll always be there – they’ve got your back – but it’s time to be independent.’

There’s a silence. Sam knows that there’s a great deal of truth in what Max has said and he feels a strong affection for his godfather. He doesn’t know quite what to say but Max helps him through.

‘And all that pomposity,’ he says reflectively, ‘on one gin and tonic.’

‘But they were navy rations,’ says Sam, smiling. ‘Have another?’

‘I think I might just do that.’

The door opens below them and they can hear Cara calling goodbye to Jack. The atmosphere changes as Cara comes up the stairs, exclaiming at seeing Max. Now the story of his Oxford trip must be told again and Sam is able to relax. He knows what Max has said is good sense: at this moment in his life the opening of the door to his past is a necessity but it’s still going to be difficult to come to terms with his family’s tragic history. As Cara and Max talk, Sam wonders again why he’s never told Max about Ying-Yue. Was it because he thought Max wouldn’t understand; wouldn’t be able to accept the intensity of his loss? And what about teaching? How can he explain to Max – his naval role model, his father’s friend – of his doubts about joining the navy, and his pull towards a different vocation, especially when his memories of teaching in Shanghai, the pleasure he took in it, are so inextricably linked with his love for Ying-Yue? Some deep instinct warns him against talking with anyone about his confusion. This is something he must deal with alone. After all, who else would understand his dilemma?

Cara is telling them about the opera, about Jack inviting them to a lunch party, and Sam sinks back in his chair and prepares to join in the conversation.

CHAPTER TEN

By the time Alistair has dropped Cosmo off at the station in Totnes, driven back to Salcombe and given Reggie a walk, it’s nearly lunchtime. Cosmo has stocked up with a few necessities such as milk and bread, and there are some frozen meals in the freezer, but Al isn’t particularly impressed with the selection. He remembers his parents taking him to a pub in the town on one of his weekend visits so he settles Reggie, checks his water dish, and then walks off round the creek towards the town.