“You helped with her boys too. How dare Connie play that card? This property puts a roof over your head, pays all your bills, pays you an allowance. You’ve been well compensated for a bit of babysitting.”

He spat the last words out and they splashed across the room like lemon juice souring milk. Kate held her stomach with one hand and pressed her finger harder to her lips with the other. This was all too terrible.

“I’m sorry to be such a burden.” Olive’s eyes watered as she looked at each of the girls, her gaze stopping at Kate. “I didn’t look after you to be compensated.” Her words wobbled from her mouth, sad and almost inaudible. “I did it because I love you.”

Kate swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and wrapped her arms around her grandmother. “I know you do,” she soothed. Olive’s small shoulders shook inside her embrace. Kate looked imploringly at her dad, who’d stopped his pacing and now looked dismayed. Bree and Laura were both out of their chairs hovering beside Olive.

“Don’t get upset, Mum. You’re not a burden.” He reached out, put a hand on her shoulder. “This is all my fault. I should have sorted it out, made everything clear.” He shook his head. “Damn it! It is clear. Connie’s inheritance was all arranged. Dad’s will set everything out. After he died I focused on the girls and how to manage their future.”

“I don’t know what to do,” Olive whispered. “Constance keeps on at me to help her.”

“She’s had so much already, Mum.” Milt squatted down beside Olive and took her little hands in his big ones. Kate sat back, fighting her own tears.

“Connie can’t keep asking for more, Mum. It’s not fair to you or me or my family. Dad was clear Connie had been well and truly compensated. She’s not getting any more from my hard work.” He looked up at his daughters. “While you girls are home we’re going to the lawyer again and get this sorted out. With any luck we can get an appointment tomorrow or Tuesday.”

“What about seeding?” Bree said.

“It’ll cost us a half day but it needs to be done.”

“What about Mum?” Kate asked.

“She’s not here and this has to be dealt with once and for all.”

Laura offered tissues. Kate took one, noticing tears rolling down Laura’s cheeks as well. Bree remained stony-faced. Olive took a hanky from her pocket and dabbed at her eyes. “Thank you, Milton.”

“I’ll make some fresh tea,” Laura said.

“Thank you, dear.” Olive gave a little shiver. “And, Milton, do you think you could put the door back on. There’s such a draught in here.”

Milt opened his mouth.

“I’ll give you a hand, Dad,” Bree said quickly. “Won’t take us long.”