Father Brennan’s head turns between the two us, as if he’s watching a tennis match and it’s Ciara’s turn to serve.

He interjects, ‘Sure, never worry,’ clearing his throat. ‘I knew Joe well. We can still make his requiem Mass a fitting one. I know these must be very difficult times. Very difficult, indeed,’ he says with a shake of his head. ‘But we do owe it to Joe to try to remain civil to each other and I must say, to you all now, that if anyone feels they wish to chat to me, privately, the sanctity of the confessional is as good a place as anywhere to get something off your chest.

‘We know that something very disturbing happened, perhaps, as it has been suggested, with some good intention behind it. A merciful release from the suffering that may have awaited Joe, but that suffering has to go somewhere. And it will eat at the heart of us all, not least the person responsible. God is good, He is forgiving, even of the most serious of sins. But you must repent.’

I don’t dare speak. I am holding so much inside that I’m afraid to.

It seems I’m not the only one. We descend into silence, only disturbed by Lily waking and starting to fuss. She needs her nappy changed and I lift her bag.

‘Where can I change this little one?’ I ask Marie, grateful for the reprieve.

Ciara is on her feet. ‘I can take her and change her for you,’ she says. ‘You can sit here and talk to Father Brennan about the Mass, since you knew my father better than anyone. I’m sure this wee dote won’t mind her auntie Ciara changing her. Won’t you not?’ she says, cooing at my daughter as if she has been a permanent fixture in her life.

She seems terribly eager to get out from under the glare of Father Brennan’s eyes.

I want to tell her to leave my baby alone. Not to touch her. But I’m aware I’m already walking on eggshells and causing an even bigger scene could be disastrous.

‘Ah now,’ Ciara soothes as Lily wriggles in her arms. ‘There’s no need for that! I’ll just get you a fresh nappy on,’ she adds, reaching for the baby bag.

I don’t want her taking it – it has my phone, my purse, other random items from my life inside.

‘I’ll get you a nappy and wipes,’ I say, trying to take the bag from her.

‘Now, Heidi, I’m sure I can figure out what is what myself,’ Ciara says, turning and walking upstairs with my baby and my worldly belongings.

I am frozen to the spot, unsure of how to react to this ambush but aware that four sets of eyes are looking at me and waiting for my reaction, including Alex, who I need to believe in more than anything. I try to settle myself, turn and nod towards Father Brennan and Marie before taking a seat beside them.