‘The best thing he can do at the moment is try and keep her calm. He shouldn’t try to contradict her, whatever she says. That’s easier said than done with those mood swings, but even if he is screaming inside, he needs to try to keep the peace. What we don’t want is something upsetting her even further. He has to try to keep things ticking over quietly, which means no nasty surprises.’

‘No nasty surprises,’ echoed Matt. ‘It seems to me that it’s Kate who’s dishing those out.’

‘In truth, what Kate Stonebridge needs is expert help.’ Laura paused. ‘It might come to that, despite everyone’s best efforts.’

Though Liz didn’t say so, she wondered if that might be for the best. But what would it take to make it happen? And who might get hurt in the process?

They sat talking for a while, until Laura said she ought to leave.

‘Thank you so much for listening,’ said Matt. ‘And I’ll get those photos forwarded to you as soon as I get them.’

With a final, ‘No surprises, remember?’ Laura Archer drove away.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Long before Matt was due to arrive, Will was watching the lane for signs of his approaching car.

It was the morning of Matt and Kate’s meeting with old Amos. A lot hinged on whether Matt could keep Kate away from the house long enough for Will to get into the studio and photograph those paintings.

He paced to and fro, ashamed of behaving in such an underhanded way towards his beloved wife. He felt like a traitor.

As soon as he saw Matt’s car, he went indoors to find his wife. Kate was upstairs in their bedroom, standing in front of the long mirror and smoothing down her jeans, which she’d tied with a leather belt to keep them from falling down. With her hair scraped back in a ponytail, she looked thinner than ever.

‘Ready, sweetheart?’ Will said. ‘Matt’s here.’

She looked like a frightened teenager. ‘I haven’t been out for a while, have I? Still, it’s got to happen sometime, I suppose. Let’s hope old Amos keeps my mind occupied. Are you sure you won’t come along?’

He hugged her and found she was trembling.

‘Oh, sweetheart, you’ll be quite safe with Matt. He’s really keen to introduce you to the old guy, and you know me, I’d be bored stiff within five minutes.’

‘More like two, actually.’

‘Exactly. Tanners Fen village is only a couple of miles up the road. You’ll be fine. It’ll be good for you. You can do it, I know you can.’

She swallowed hard, drew herself up straighter. ‘You’re right. I can.’