‘I always thought the worst day of my life was when I heard about Emmet’s accident. When Hugh had to rush to Australia to be with him, in case he died. I spoke to Hugh in Melbourne every day. He’d ring from the hospital and tell me how our son was, every detail. I’d ask him what he thought would happen. I’d be crying, and he’d console me and say, “Please don’t cry, Sheila. Everything will be all right.” But I’ve always wondered, Eliza, was he sleeping with Jeannie even at that stage? He said he wasn’t. That it was just that one night. But he had years to come up with that story, didn’t he?’

Eliza couldn’t speak.

‘Why did he have to tell me, Eliza? Was it because your mother had told him you’d died? That there was no chance of you turning up? But you hadn’t died, had you? I’ve been up all night trying to make sense of it. Have you any idea how hard this is for me? How hard you’ve made my life? All the years Hugh and I had together, so many special family moments and all the time, across the world, he had this dirty secret. A ticking time bomb waiting to ruin my life. You, Eliza. You and your mother.’

Eliza found her voice. ‘Stop it. Please. Stop talking about us like that.’

‘But it’s the truth. Oh, it’s not your fault. I can see that. It’s your mother who’s to blame, can’t you see? For everything. Emmet going to Australia. His accident. Luring my husband, the little sl—’

‘No.’ The anger came over Eliza suddenly. ‘You can’t talk about my mother like that. I loved her so much. She and Emmet were the best of friends. He told me. She was so good to him. If he was to hear any of this, to hear what you —’

Sheila moved quickly, grabbing Eliza’s arm so tightly she felt her skin pinch. ‘You’ll not tell him, or Dervla or anyone in this town any of this, do you hear me? You will not make my family a laughing stock. Waltz into my life and ruin my reputation and have people gossiping as I walk down the street. You get out of this town. Right now. And don’t come back.’

‘No. I need to talk to Emmet again.’

‘I’m his mother and I forbid you. Hugh is dead, God rest his soul. He and I were the only ones here who knew what happened between him and your mother, and I will deny it with my last breath. Even though he betrayed me. With your mother. With you. The biggest mistake of his life.’