In July 1975, a new bill was passed by Parliament. Known as the Family Law Act, it allowed for no-fault divorce after twelve months of separation. Since it was well over twelve months since Val had left Tony, she was able to apply straightaway and their case came before a judge.

Her stomach was in knots at the thought of being in the same room as Tony, albeit with court officials present. She dressed in a smart gray suit Peggy had lent her, with sensible low-heeled shoes and neat hair and makeup.

Tony arrived just as proceedings were about to begin. He’d put on a lot of weight, Val noted. She guessed he was living on takeout meat pies. His complexion was florid and his expression cold with hatred. It was impossible to remember what she had ever loved about him.

The judge began by asking whether they had come to any agreement over custody arrangements for Nicole, and Tony burst out, “I don’t want any contact with her. To be honest, your honor, I’m not sure she’s even mine.”

Val was horrified and saddened that he could cast off his own daughter. The day would come when Nicole would want to know why she never saw her daddy, and Val would have to offer an explanation.

The judge ordered that Val have parental responsibility, and ruled that if Tony wanted to see Nicole in future it would have to be with Val’s consent. She was happy to agree to that.

Next came the financial settlement. Val’s lawyer had requested that she receive half the value of the marital property and two thirds of her father’s inheritance as a lump sum, after which she would not ask for any further alimony or child support payments.

Tony argued himself blue in the face over this. The house was his and his alone. He couldn’t afford what they were asking. He’d be forced to go bankrupt. Val was a grasping cow who had only ever been after his money.

The judge listened to his arguments, and those of Val’s attorney, and within an hour found in Val’s favor. Tony swore and was reprimanded by the judge.

“One last thing,” the judge said, looking at his notes then addressing Tony. “Your wife requests that you pass to her the contents of her deceased father’s safe deposit box. Please make sure it reaches her solicitor’s office within two weeks.”

Tony looked at Val with a sly expression. “Ah, your honor, I’m not entirely sure where it is at the moment. It might take me a while to find. Besides, it’s only sentimental old rubbish.”

Val knew he was dragging his feet to wield the last remaining scrap of power he had over her. She had never thought of her father as remotely sentimental and was intrigued to see what the box contained.