She emerged on the other side of the island to see Pippa in the front garden of the cottage, seeming oblivious to Verity’s presence some distance away, frozen as she watched from beside a mature oak tree.

Verity felt dowdy in her long, baggy, grey vest top, and loose-fitting joggers, and couldn’t help the surge of jealousy at how beautiful Pippa looked. The woman suited sunny days. Her blonde hair shone like gold. Her pretty floral maternity dress matched the flowering borders, as though she’d planned it that way.

Had Mikolaj left her because she wasn’t beautiful like Pippa?

Hugh threw open the front door and waved at his sister.

‘Hey, V, you’re back. Are you coming in, or are you going to stand there all day?’ He was happy to see her. And that was good. She wanted her Hugh to be happy – just not with Pippa.

‘Our plan,’ he’d told Verity a few months back when she’d called from Poland, ‘is to have three children, a chocolate brown Labrador, and maybe a rabbit called Flopsy. Pippa loves Beatrix Potter.’

Now, Verity hurried towards the house, itching to hold her brother in her arms after so long. Pippa looked up as she opened the squeaky gate, her face dropping for a moment before bursting into a smile. ‘Verity. You’re back.’ She lifted her hands, showing Verity how muddy they were. ‘I would hug you, but …’

‘It’s fine.’ You’re the last person I want to hug.

‘I’ll be in in a bit.’

*

‘I’m so glad you’re back,’ Hugh said, taking his sister in his arms as she stepped into the cottage. ‘I’ve missed you.’

‘Missed you too,’ she said as he released her. She touched his face, stared into his eyes. ‘I’ve got so much to tell you.’

‘Coffee first?’ He led the way into the kitchen.

‘Please. Though I can only say for a short while.’ She handed him the cake tin, the cassette. ‘I’ve made fairy cakes.’

‘Thanks.’ Hugh filled the kettle, and flicked it on. ‘You look well, V.’

She laughed. ‘No I don’t. I’ve never looked worse. I’ve taken overweight to a whole new level. But thanks.’

He dragged his fingers through his dark hair. ‘So how was Europe?’