‘As long as we introduce Fergus to the idea of her gently, and really manage it at first, so that we’re there too and it’s gradual . . . I’m sure it will be good for everyone in the long term,’ Frankie said. She risked a glance at Craig and saw that he was nodding, finally seeming to be considering the situation like a rational person, rather than through a filter of rage. ‘Today, talking to Julia, I was trying to get her to see the real picture of looking after a child – the practicalities, the difficulties – not to put her off, but to enlighten her.’ Now it was her turn to sigh. ‘Although I think I just ended up annoying her, because she flounced out, not wanting to listen.’

She cringed, half-expecting Craig to chastise her again for what she’d done, but then he said, ‘She’s not an easy person,’ and it was as if they were on the same side again.

‘No,’ she agreed, remembering Julia’s hostility, her chippiness, the way she’d marched off as soon as the conversation took a turn she didn’t like.

Craig reached out and took Frankie’s hand. ‘Sorry I had a go at you. You’re the last person in the world I want to fall out with.’

‘Same,’ she replied. ‘Let’s see this one through together. No more secrets.’

‘And no more sidelining.’ He squeezed her fingers and it felt as if the two of them were clicking back into place at last, allies and equals once more.

‘Deal,’ she said, squeezing back.

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty

A few weeks passed by, and July’s muggy nights and thunderstorms gave way to a sunny, pleasant August, with long, golden days. Since her go-getting conversation with Robyn, Alison hadn’t wasted any time in packing them full of action. The first and scariest thing she did was to book herself in to see the counsellor whom her client Molly had recommended, not sure whether to be pleased or horrified when told that the counsellor had a cancellation available the following week.