Mary looked into her daughter’s face and wondered what was the real reason this girl of hers had turned up on her doorstep at Celeste’s wake. She could hazard a guess, but she was sure she would be wrong. Cynthia had not even wanted her own children, so why would she want a grandchild? Mary had felt she had no choice but to let her into the house and then she had seen the naked hunger in Cynthia’s eyes as she had looked at little Cherie in her bassinet.

When Cynthia marched into the sitting room and immediately bent over the cradle to pick the baby up somehow Mary knew that her daughter had seen the child before, and she had felt as if she was witnessing a crime. Never had Cynthia been that gentle with her own children.

‘If you’re feeling maternal why don’t you go and visit your son? I’m sure he could do with a bit of motherly interest.’

Cynthia held the child to her as she said dreamily, ‘Why don’t you have a day off, Mum? I know I made mistakes, but this is my grandchild and, whether you like it or not, that is the truth of the matter. She reminds me of my Gabriella at the same age. She’s such a lovely child.’ Cynthia knew that Gabby could hear her from her bedroom and she continued in a hurt voice, ‘I hope you don’t alienate this child from Gabriella like you alienated her from me. I was already aware I had made a big mistake marrying James, but it was you my kids wanted, wasn’t it, not me. You made sure of that.’

Mary was incensed. ‘How dare you! I took your kids in when you got fed up with them. I loved them like my own.’

Cynthia knew that was the truth, but she ignored it and said in a placating manner, ‘Please, Mum, it’s Celeste’s funeral. Have a bit of respect.’

Mary was so furious at the words of her daughter she was rendered speechless. How could she say that to her, after all she had done! Her daughter was a manipulator who used everyone around her. Well, she would not use her any more, those days were long gone.

‘You are welcome only to pay your respects. After that you can piss off.’

‘I must say, Mum, that is you all over.’