Jazz poured coffee for her mother and herself and sat nursing it, staring into the fireplace. Celestria came and sat down with her. Jazz noticed she looked distinctly weary.

They sat in companionable silence for a few minutes, sipping their coffee.

‘How is he?’ Jazz asked in a low voice.

Celestria sighed. ‘As irascible as ever. We had a difficult day on Thursday. He had a bad attack of angina whilst I was out. The silly man didn’t do the sensible thing and call the doctor. He waited for me to get home to see he was grey and obviously in pain. They whipped him into Papworth overnight. He was out the next morning, complaining how unattractive the nurses were.’ Celestria allowed herself a small smile.

‘Mum, why didn’t you let me know?’

‘Because you were starting your case and as soon as I established he wasn’t in danger, there was nothing you could do anyway.’

‘Oh Mum, it’s such a difficult situation for you.’

‘I don’t mind caring for him in the slightest, you know that. The thing I dread is walking through the door one evening and finding him . . .’ Celestria couldn’t say the words. ‘I really feel he should have someone here with him during the day. But I can’t give up my job . . . if I did, we’d be homeless immediately.’

‘Perhaps it’s time to look at that bungalow on the coast Dad suggested. You have that money from your book tucked away.’

‘Yes, I do.’ Celestria sipped her coffee. ‘And one day I’m sure that’s what we’ll do. But remember, darling, I’m only fifty-seven and that money is all we have. I really need to work here another three years so I can draw my full pension. As you know, Dad’s one from the church is a pittance. Besides,’ Celestria sighed, ‘this place is what keeps your father alive. Not to mention me. I love my job. It stimulates me and keeps me sane. I think we’d both go mad in a retirement bungalow.’

‘Yes, you probably would. But, Mum, you look exhausted. Working and caring for Dad is just too much for you. I think you’re going to have to persuade him he needs someone in to help you. Threaten him with the retirement bungalow. That should do the trick,’ Jazz smiled.

‘Anyway, enough of me. You look good, Jazz. Being back at work obviously suits you.’

‘I think it probably does,’ Jazz nodded. She looked at her watch. ‘I’ve got to be heading off to meet this chap Dad’s set me up with.’

‘Jonathan? He’s awfully nice, really. You’ll like him.’

‘Rather off males in general just at present.’ Jazz grimaced.

‘Jazmine’ – Celestria grabbed her daughter’s hands – ‘don’t become bitter, will you? I know you’ve been hurt, but there are some good chaps out there, really there are, darling.’

A quiet ‘Mmnn,’ was all Jazz could muster in reply.

‘You’re still young, young enough to start again, have a family if you wanted to. You won’t give up on men completely, will you?’