‘Oh yes, I see. Like I don’t know which are the best hotels in Perth.’

Well, one thing about the delay in finding Dorothy was that it would give him time to think. He still hadn’t worked out what exactly he’d say or do if – no, when! – they found her.

They booked rooms and paid a quick visit to the British Museum. He had to promise to come back another time to get her to leave it, she enjoyed it so much.

They came away with two fat books that he’d bought for Gemma. Not to win her affection, but because of the longing in her eyes. It was good to be able to afford things to feed her questing young mind.

If he found another child, perhaps he could help him or her as well. He’d like that.

The drive to Swindon was easily accomplished by taking the M4 motorway and once they were out of the capital, Adam began to enjoy the drive.

‘Whatever happens, we’ll make time to do some sightseeing,’ he told his daughter. ‘Why did we never go out sightseeing in Perth? There’s history there too.’

‘You used to go into college a lot during the summer holidays.’

‘It was … um, peaceful there.’

‘Away from Mum, you mean.’

‘Yes. And she wasn’t really into culture.’

‘That kept you away from me, too.’

It was out before he could stop himself. ‘She didn’t give me a chance to look after you, had it all arranged for childcare near where she worked and told me not to muck the system around because it’d upset you.’

Adam didn’t attempt to break the silence that followed. He was growing tired of playing peacemaker. He let the satnav guide them to the hotel. Swindon had changed so much he doubted he could have found the place unaided, even though he had recognised the name of the street it was on.

Gemma’s silence lasted until they’d checked in and were in the lift on the way up to their rooms, then she said in a small, tight voice, ‘I’m sorry for getting at you.’

‘Thank you, love.’ He gave her a hug and she hugged him back convulsively.

He had to remember that teenagers’ emotions went up and down like yo-yos. So did his at the moment.

Chapter Twelve

Harriet called in to see her aunt again, this time on behalf of her mother, who wanted to make sure Elise was all right.

‘Mum does mean well,’ Harriet said apologetically.

‘I know, dear.’

‘She’s worried you’ll have another fall, keeps saying you should have let her and Kerry find someone to clear your house for you.’

It was then that the idea struck Elise. ‘I’ve been intending to find someone to help me do it, which is very different from giving away my possessions wholesale. I want to go through them and keep some that I’m particularly fond of. Um, did you find a job yet?’

‘No. There don’t seem to be as many going this year.’