He grabbed her hand and held on to it tightly. Kate looked at his strong profile as they drove to his house. He was staring out of the window at the cold deserted streets, his hard chiselled face set, despite his grief. His dark hair, though untidy, looked manly and strong to Kate. Like Patrick Kelly did. He glanced at her; his violet blue eyes held a depth of gratitude that she knew he would never be able to convey in words.

She squeezed back.

Lizzy sat with her father and grandmother watching the end of the James Bond film. As the credits began to roll she stretched in her chair.

‘That was great! I love Sean Connery. Can I have a glass of Babycham, Gran?’

Evelyn looked at her.

‘Oh, all right then, but just one mind!’

‘Thanks, Gran.’ She skipped across the room to the drinks cabinet.

Dan watched her, a smile on his face. She had really grown up since the last time he had seen her. She had the long-legged coltish look peculiar to sixteen-year-old girls. Her breasts were heavy though; she took after his side of the family in that respect. But facially she was all her mother. She was just like Kate had been when they had first met. From the long silky dark hair to the perfect white teeth. She even had Kate’s distinctive nose.

She walked back to her seat with her drink and sipped it. ‘Mmmm, lovely.’

‘It’s a shame your mother had to go out tonight.’ Lizzy shrugged. ‘It’s her job. Mum really has to work hard to keep us all, doesn’t she, Gran?’

‘That she does, child.

‘Oh, I know that, but it doesn’t seem fair, her having to shoot off on Christmas night.’ Dan kept his voice deliberately light.

‘You get used to it after a while, Dad. I can’t remember the last birthday when she was home early enough for the party! Still, Gran’s always here.’

Dan nodded and sipped at his brandy.

Evelyn stood up. ‘Who fancies a turkey sandwich?’

Both Dan and Lizzy nodded assent and she went to the kitchen. Dan squeezed his daughter’s hand. ‘You’re a good girl you know, Liz. A lot of girls would hate a mother who was never there when they wanted her.’

She bit her lip and thought hard. ‘She’s there when I really want her, Dad. Don’t you worry about that. When’s Anthea back?’

The question took him by surprise.

‘Oh . . . Anthea and I are not really together any more.’

Lizzy took a large gulp of her Babycham and put the glass on the little coffee table.

‘I’m glad, Dad. I never liked her very much.’

‘You didn’t really know her.’ His voice was strained.

‘No, but when I used to ring up, she’d be very off-hand with me. I felt as if I was intruding or something.’