Pam nodded. ‘His plastic cup’s in the holdall, along with a carton of milk.’

Jane filled the cup with milk and Pam gave it to Nathan, who instantly fell silent as he sucked on the spout.

‘There you go, he was just hungry.’

‘I’m sorry, Jane, I didn’t mean to shout at you. I just feel so tired and irritated all the time, and this mess with Tony just sent me over the top.’

‘I think you might be suffering from the baby blues, Pam.’

‘I know I am . . . but I don’t know what to do about it.’

‘Once Nathan’s settled, we can talk about the best way forward.’

When Nathan was asleep Pam put him to bed and Jane made her another coffee. In the kitchen she saw the large brandy Pam had poured for herself and tipped it down the sink.

‘How long have you been feeling like this?’ Jane asked.

‘A few months now, but it comes and goes. Some days are good, some are bad and others are just a blur.’

‘Depression and a feeling of hopelessness are symptoms of post-natal depression, Pam.’

‘But I was fine for the first few months after Nathan’s birth, then suddenly everything went downhill.’

‘Did you say anything to Tony about it?’

‘No, but I took my emotions out on him. It’s probably what drove him into the arms of another woman.’

Jane sighed. ‘It wasn’t just your mood swings, Pam, and he knows what he did was wrong, but I truly believe it was a one-off and he wasn’t the instigator.’

Pam looked surprised. ‘Was that him on the phone just now?’

‘No, it was Dad. Tony was worried and phoned the house to see if you and Nathan were there. I told Dad you were both fine and staying the night with me.’

‘Do they know what we argued about?’

‘Tony said he’d kissed another woman and you were upset, that’s all.’

‘So he lied again.’

‘Dad forced it out of Tony, but understandably he didn’t want to tell him everything that happened last night—’

‘What do you mean, “everything that happened”? When did you speak to Tony?’ Pam scowled.

Jane took a deep breath. ‘Last night at the police station after he was arrested.’

Pam sat up. ‘Arrested? Why didn’t you tell me?’

‘Tony asked me not to tell you because he wanted to.’

‘Well, he clearly didn’t!’ Pam said, becoming agitated.

‘I think he was going to, but you walked out with Nathan before he could.’

‘Oh, so it’s my fault again. I thought I could confide in you, Jane, but all the time you’re sneaking behind my back and lying to me.’

‘You need to calm down and listen to me or you’ll wake Nathan,’ Jane said sternly.

Pam folded her arms. ‘Go on, then.’