‘Well, this is a bit silly of you both,’ Donald said, being sure to speak quietly and keep his face pleasant, so they couldn’t be intercepted. ‘I have no idea what it was the two of you fought about, but it was almost ten years ago now. Today seems like a pretty good day for some peace. Cliodhna, your mother will have to go and catch her train soon.’

Cliodhna breathed in and out a couple of times, her eyes never leaving Eileen’s face. Then she blinked, her body suddenly unclenching.

‘You’re right, Uncle Donald. I’m really touched that you came, Mum.’

Eileen was still staring her out, flicking her glance up and down from the dress to the hair.

‘Eileen?’ Donald said, putting a hand on her arm.

‘It was a lovely wedding. Beautiful.’ She mumbled the last syllable into her fingers as though she’d given too much away.

Cliodhna laughed. ‘Oh, that was all Danny and his mum. All I did was find a dress in a second-hand shop, and turn up!’

Eileen looked for a second as though she was about to faint, steeled herself.

‘It’s a very unusual dress. Very – individual.’

Cliodhna’s arms wrapped round herself, covering up.

‘You look very – nice today. Yes. And that’s a good man you’ve got there.’

‘Yes, Danny’s a good man.’

‘He’s a hard worker, isn’t he? You can tell.’

‘Oh yeah. He’s always got a few pots on the bubble, does Danny.’

‘Well, that’s the best way. That’s the way it should be. Busy man, brings the wages in regularly, doesn’t drink them all. Aye, lass. You’ve done well. You picked better than me, at least. The first time.’

Cliodhna seemed to absorb the slight with her whole body, just for a split second. Then she pulled back up, nodded it past.

‘Yes, and how is Alec? Please give him my—’

Eileen shook her head quickly. Cliodhna finished her sentence in a cough.

‘Alec’s as well as can be. He’s doing a lot of volunteering now. With the youth groups and the Labour Club. Keeping busy. Keeping busy.’

‘That’s good. Good to know.’

‘And you’re a singer now. We saw you. On the telly.’

‘You did? Yes, yes. A wee while ago, that was. Still, hoping to have a new album out. Working on new material. That sort of thing.’

‘You want to make sure you’re not a drain on that man of yours. You know I’ve always said a woman should be able to bring in a wage too. You know I’ve always said that.’

‘I know. You have. And it’s your birthday coming up soon, Mum. Any plans?’

‘Och, just the usual. Wee night down the Labour Club with Alec. Some pals. Wee vodka.’

‘Nice. Nice. Maybe – maybe Danny and I could get in the car and pop through?’