Sven found comfort in that reflection.

It was barely a week later that Pyotr said at the dinner table that he had an announcement.

“It’s time for us to be off. Aud and I are going to live in France. Every family needs its independence. I’m sure you’re desperate to be rid of us anyway.”

This provoked a storm of protest. Marianne cried, Alfred mumbled about staying together, and Sven shook his head and tried to sound convincing.

In fact, he thought it would be an excellent idea if Pyotr and Aud went to France. Pyotr’s financial skills could be put to better use at the import end of the business. And to tell the truth, Sven was sick of living in a house with five adults. He wanted a little peace and quiet in his prosperous middle years. If Pyotr wanted to move to France, preferably the sunny south, Sven and Marianne could come and visit their grandchildren during Finland’s brutal winter.

“Aud’s a French citizen through you, Marianne, and as her husband I have now obtained a passport.” Pyotr reached into his pocket and produced the slim, leather-clad document.

“That was fast,” Marianne said.

Indeed. Sven was not surprised. Pyotr was the type to make plans and act swiftly on them.

“We leave tomorrow.”

Marianne set up a wail, but Pyotr did not respond. Aud awkwardly patted her mother on the back.

“Long goodbyes are worse,” she said. “I’ll call you, Mother—I’ll call you as soon as we dock.”

“We sail at dawn,” Pyotr said. “No need to accompany us to the harbour.” His voice was strangely remote, even cold, Sven remembered later. “I hate scenes.”

“It’s better for me to call you,” Aud said again. “Looking to the future, not the past.” She gazed adoringly at her husband. “Pyotr and I want to go somewhere warm, buy a house, and start working on your grandchildren.”

Sven was glad to see that this last comment provoked smiles from his wife and father. Aud hugged everybody tearfully, and he brought out a bottle of champagne.

“But I’ll drive you to the port,” he said. “You’ll have cases. And the taxis are unreliable.”

“We’re not taking anything except a change of clothes. I believe in travelling light. The less baggage the better.” Pyotr glanced at Natasha, who had sat silently at the foot of the table, staring at her hands. “And Natasha has already agreed to drive us. She’s up early in the mornings anyway.”

“Well, that’s good of you,” Sven said. He smiled at his sister. Perhaps she had gotten over whatever was bugging her. “And then you will come back to us.”

“Yes, darling,” her father croaked. “At least I will still have my little Tasha.”