‘So how come Dad said you got really angry and shouted at Jamie one night when you were online?’ Fiona scowled at him.

‘Oh, Christ, did he bring that up? What an idiot I was. I’d been trying to find my sister online and I just got so stressed out about everything. I think I made up something about Facebook to Stru, I was so ashamed I’d bawled at Jamie. Sorry.’

Fiona frowned. ‘How come all those football exercises you taught Jamie were from Sam? I thought Sam was a boy.’

‘Sam was always a bit of a tomboy. She’s coach of a women’s footie side out there. She’s ace.’ He smiled but Fiona was still scowling. ‘I’m sorry, Fi. I let you down. A lot.’

‘Who d’you reckon the woman was who phoned Doug and said to him you were always leaving people in the lurch like that? Was that Sam?’

‘Yeah, that was Sam.’

They sat looking out at the water, side by side, until Fiona said, ‘D’you want to come back to the house for a cup of tea? I think Mum’d like to see you.’ She looked at her watch. ‘And Jamie’ll be home from school soon. He’ll be so excited.’

‘Of course. But, Fi, can you ever forgive me? I’m so sorry I did this, to hurt you so much – and Jamie. I’ve been a shit, really useless. But I’m going to make it up to you.’

‘What are you going to do, Prince Charming?’ Fiona smirked.

‘Wait and see!’

They walked together over the Green towards Magdalen Yard Road. Though inside she felt a flicker of hope, Fiona warned herself to stay calm. Even though Pete was back, she couldn’t just forget the months of hurt he’d caused her and Jamie. It would take time, probably a very long time, to get over what he’d done. But… She loved him. Wasn’t that enough? They reached the top of the Green and Pete stopped and stamped his foot.

‘Christ, I bring it all the way from bloody Aus then I leave it on a park bench,’ he said, laughing. He ran towards the bench where the cricket bat lay.

Fiona watched him go, remembering that long slow stride, when she heard her phone ping. It was a text from Martha.

Found all your family history stuff in the archives, made copies to give you later. You up for a Friday drink? M x

Fiona hit reply and tapped out a quick message.

Yeah, come round to the house, big surprise here. F x

CHAPTER 55

Chapter 55

Wednesday 14 January 1880

‘Jessie, go and call Mr and Mrs Baxter and Miss Graham into the drawing room.’