Winifred gave her hostess the cake and when Nell peeped inside the tin and exclaimed in admiration at the way the top was decorated, that gave the older woman an excuse for any blush remaining. She wasn’t used to keeping secrets, but this one was in a good cause.

In her whole life she’d never had so many compliments, let alone enjoyed herself so much. She’d been brought up strictly, had always done her duty and looked after her elderly mother when she grew too old to look after herself. But her ungrateful parent had treated her like a stupid child right until the end. It had been rather dreary at times, though Winifred had never complained.

Soon they were all sitting around the table with Millie in the old wooden high chair. After a brief chat, Nell began serving the main course.

‘If this is a scratch meal, you can do one any time,’ Angus said later as he put down his knife and fork. ‘Any second helpings going?’

‘Leave room for Winifred’s cake.’

‘Ah. Yes.’ He collected the dinner plates and stacked them in the dishwasher while Nell brought out the dessert, which was eaten to the accompaniment of happy murmurs.

‘If you don’t allow me a second helping of that cake, I’m going to throw a tantrum,’ he declared. ‘Winifred, it’s wonderful. I don’t know how you do it, time after time.’

‘I love baking cakes.’

‘And I love eating them.’

Afterwards, as the two younger women were clearing the table, Nell asked in a low voice, ‘How’s your mother getting on, Janey? Or shouldn’t I ask?’

‘She’s doing quite well, actually. She’s moved out of the women’s refuge and into a group of sheltered flats with a warden on-site. She’s learning to stand on her own feet again. And since he won’t be out of prison for years, she’s stopped jumping when anyone knocks on the door.’

‘Are things going any better between you and her?’

‘As well as can be expected. I just wish she’d stood up to him occasionally, then I might not have had such an unhappy childhood.’

‘I’m sure she wishes it too.’

‘Yes, well, I’m seeing her occasionally and letting her get to know her granddaughter, but I don’t expect we’ll ever be close.’ Janey blinked her eyes, trying to clear away the tears. Other people had close relationships with their parents and she envied them that.

Nell gave her a hug. ‘I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sorry I brought this up.’

‘I’m not. I have to learn to talk about it, don’t I? My mother’s part of my life now, one way or another, and at least she adores Millie. I do want my daughter to grow up with one grandparent, at least. And Mum babysits occasionally, which is a big help. She gets on well with Winifred and the two of them spoil Millie to death once I’m out of the house.’

‘I’m amazed at how quickly that child of yours is growing. And tell me about your studies at tech …’