Lena was tight-lipped, and Theresa could see the disapproval on her face, as if she was above it all, not a part of the life they were living. Sometimes Lena’s insistence on acting as if her husband was a fucking saint really stuck in her craw. Who the hell did she think she was? Turning to her daughter-in-law, she said angrily, ‘Why the shocked face, Lena? You’re married to Daniel Bailey, my son. He has more than a few fucking bodies on his conscience – that’s if he actually has one, which I doubt very much and I’m his mother! So, in future, I would appreciate it if you didn’t act shocked at the men I have in my life. I have never answered to anyone and, Lena, my darling, I am not fucking starting now. So don’t you dare try and make me feel bad about the life I live. At least I’m not a fucking hypocrite!’

Ria was so shocked at Theresa’s words she actually laughed – it was her nerves, she knew. But no one had ever said the like to Lena Bailey. It had always been the unwritten rule: Lena Bailey was never to be reminded of her husband’s deeds. Lena was always to be looked after, shielded from her husband’s actions. Lena was never made to face the truth and, if Ria was completely honest, it had often irritated her in the past.

Ria saw Lena lick her lips slowly, saw the look of abject horror as it passed over her face. Her mother-in-law saw it too and sighed, busying herself with lighting a cigarette.

‘I’m sure I don’t know what you mean, Theresa.’

Lena’s voice was loud, and Ria could see the anger in her eyes.

Theresa pulled deeply on her John Player Special, before saying seriously, ‘But that’s just it, love. You do, Lena, you know exactly what I mean, so let’s stop this fecking charade, shall we? You’re a grown-up – get over yourself and face up to the real world for once in your fecking life.’

Lena looked at the woman she loved like her own mother, unable to comprehend why, after all this time, she would finally decide to force the truth on her.