Douglas looked up from where he and Jasmine were lying on the floor, the plastic pieces spread out in front of them. His eyes and mouth twitched slightly in an approximation of a smile.

Jasmine, intercepting the glance, called over to Evie. ‘Come and help us, Mummy. There’s so many pieces. Please!’

Reluctant to break into such a rare father and daughter communion, Evie hesitated, but Douglas reached a hand up and drew her down to join them on the floor. ‘You’re not getting off so easily. We’ll be here all night otherwise.’ He rolled his eyes in mock frustration.

‘Nonsense. You’re loving it! Every man’s dream is to build things.’ But inside, a wave of triumph and happiness swept over her – she was part of a family again. Less than a year ago, back in Hampshire, she wouldn’t have dreamed it could be possible. She hitched her skirt up and knelt beside Douglas and Jasmine and was soon as absorbed in the task as they were.

The family construction project was interrupted when the door opened and Veronica and Arthur came into the room.

‘Merry Christmas, one and all!’ Veronica called loftily, no sign of the previous day’s anger in her demeanour. Heart sinking, Evie scrambled to her feet.

‘What a touching little scene!’ Veronica’s tone was heavy with sarcasm. ‘You’re playing happy families!’

To Evie’s amazement, it was Douglas who replied, ‘Not playing, Veronica.’

A look of annoyance flickered over Veronica’s face, but she recovered, plastered on a fake smile and said to Jasmine, ‘We’ve brought your Christmas gift.’ She thrust an elaborately wrapped parcel into the child’s hands.

Jasmine opened it to reveal a doll’s tea set and immediately expressed her thanks.

Waving a hand airily, Veronica said, ‘Now surely it’s your bedtime, little girl? Time for the grown-ups to play.’

Evie suppressed her rising fury. In response, Arthur squatted down on the floor beside Jasmine and the model house and said, ‘I’ve always wanted to have a go at one of these. When I was a boy I’d spend hours making things with my Meccano set.’

Veronica gave an exaggerated sigh and what was obviously a forced and false laugh. ‘Boys will be boys,’ Her voice was patronising. Addressing Evie, she said ‘What does a girl have to do to get a gin sling around here?’

As if summoned by magic, Aunty Mimi appeared with a tray of canapés, followed by Benny, who set about mixing the drinks. The men accepted their usual stengahs, Veronica, a gin sling, and Benny was about to mix a gin and bitters for Evie.

‘No gin for me, thank you, Benny. I’ll have a lime and soda.’

‘What on earth’s wrong with you, darling? It’s Christmas Day for goodness sake.’ Veronica turned to Benny. ’Stick a large gin in there.’ She indicated Evie’s glass.

‘No!’ Evie jumped up and stayed Benny’s hand. No gin for me thank you, Benny.’ Addressing Veronica she apologised, ‘I just don’t fancy alcohol much lately.’