‘You don’t have to commit. You could just try it. See how you like it.’ He gave a smile. ‘There are some pretty cool places in France to photograph.’

‘Oh, God, why can’t this be in another six months’ time? I’ve still got things to sort out. There’s my mum – I can’t just leave her, not now when we’re trying to patch things up.’

‘France isn’t the other side of the world. You can jump on a plane and be in Devon in three or four hours.’ He let out a long breath. ‘Six months, you say? OK, I can wait.’

‘I just need a little more time.’

‘Like I said, I can wait.’ Harry dipped his head and kissed her very lightly on the mouth. It was brief but said so much. Once again, he wiped her tears with his thumbs as he cupped her face. ‘Take care of yourself, Steph.’

‘You too.’

‘Oh, before I forget.’ Harry took an envelope from his pocket. ‘Sonia sent this to Conmere. She asked if I could pass it on, said she didn’t have your address.’

Steph took the envelope, unable to look at Harry for fear of crying. He left without another word, leaving her alone in the middle of an empty room, bar a few packing boxes. Her heart felt as empty as the space she was standing in.

She opened the letter.

Dearest Steph

Now that everything has settled down, I wanted to take the opportunity to write to you. I know I could phone or email, but to someone my age it would seem inadequate and would dilute what I want to say, so forgive me for being old-fashioned with this letter but do know it comes from my heart.

I cannot begin to thank you for all you have done for me and Elizabeth. For all the things Elizabeth was or wasn’t, she was always and will always be my daughter and I can rest easy knowing I shall never have to fight for justice again. You showed a faith in me that no single other person did. You believed me and were willing to take a chance, and for that I shall be ever grateful.

Now it is your turn to find what you are looking for. I know you never talked about it, but I always had a sense you were looking for something that was missing in your life. In my experience, the only things that we truly want are to be loved and to love, but to do that we must first forgive. Don’t be harsh on yourself or on others.

Go out there and grab life with both hands. As they say, life is for the living.

Fondest regards

Sonia

X

Ria appeared in the doorway. She gave Steph an appraising look. ‘So?’

‘So?’ repeated Steph.