It was a grand, elegant, Georgian building, set back from the road behind well-kept hedging, with a large, beautifully landscaped garden. It would have been a gorgeous place for Elodie to grow up but now that Peter had gone, there didn’t seem to be any point in moving to somewhere so close to his mum. She would no doubt want to be hanging around with us all the time, getting on my nerves and interfering with Elodie. She wasn’t even related to her, not that she had any idea about that, of course.

A large number of people had gathered back at the house by the time I arrived. Ben came over as we walked in. ‘Are you OK, darling? I was worried about you.’

I nodded, aware that people were watching. ‘Yes. Sorry I didn’t come to the burial – it’s just that Elodie had fallen asleep and I didn’t think it was wise to wake her.’

Ben nodded but I could tell that he didn’t believe me. ‘Oh, OK. Would you like a drink?’

I glanced at the glass of red wine in his hand. ‘Um, well, actually maybe I will … I’ll have a red wine.’

I could see the panic flare up in his eyes. ‘Really? But you don’t drink alcohol.’

‘I know. It’s just that it’s been such a stressful day, I think maybe I will for a change. Oh, you haven’t been drinking yourself, have you?’

Ben frowned and handed me his glass reluctantly. ‘No. Well, just a couple of sips. I thought you might drive, given the circumstances.’

I raised my eyebrows. ‘I think, given the circumstances, it might be best if you don’t drink today. It’ll make you all maudlin. And anyway,’ I added, taking a long sip of wine, which tasted revolting. ‘I’ve done enough driving around for one day.’

Chapter Twenty-Seven

I finally persuaded Ben to leave, although he was reluctant. He hadn’t wanted to leave Jo. He started the car, then turned back towards her, standing on the doorstep, looking all forlorn. ‘Should we stay? I feel bad leaving her.’

I had no intention of staying a moment longer than we had to. I gave him my fiercest scowl. ‘No. She’ll be fine. We need to get Elodie home.’

After another brief hesitation, Ben finally drove away, looking as though he might break down at any moment. I waited for him to ask me how the day had been for me but he didn’t speak at all. I decided that he was sulking because I had made him drive. He was so selfish sometimes. I gave a huge sigh.

‘OK,’ he said at last, looking bored and annoyed. ‘What’s the matter?’

I looked at him in disbelief. ‘I can’t believe you didn’t notice the way your mum treated me today. She made me feel like a piece of shit! And she barely even looked at Elodie …’

Ben frowned. ‘That’s not fair, Bella. It was her husband’s funeral – she’s in shock.’