‘Yes, I know that. But I can’t get the thought out of my mind that Pa is lying alone on the seabed there. And of course, at the time I didn’t even realise he was dead. Let alone that he was somewhere beneath that incredible blue sea. I . . .’

I stood up and went to put an arm around my sister. ‘Ally, please, forget about the other boat being there – it’s irrelevant. But the fact you were there to see the area where Pa chose to be buried is actually comforting. Perhaps, as Tiggy suggested, in the summer we can all take a cruise together and lay a wreath on the water.’

‘The worst thing is’ – Ally was sobbing now – ‘I feel so guilty!’

‘Why?’

‘Because . . . those few days on the boat were so beautiful! I was so happy, happier than I’ve ever felt in my life. And the truth is, I didn’t want anyone to contact me, so I turned off my mobile. And while it was off, Pa was dying! Just when he needed me, I wasn’t there!’

‘Ally, Ally . . .’ I stroked her hair back from her face as I rocked her gently. ‘None of us were there. And I honestly believe it’s the way Pa wanted it to be. Please remember I live here, and even I had flown the nest when it happened. From what Ma has said, there really was nothing that could have been done. And we must all believe that.’

‘Yes, I know. But it feels as though there are so many things I wanted to ask him, to tell him, and now he’s gone.’

‘I think we all feel that way,’ I said ruefully. ‘But at least we have each other.’

‘Yes, we do. Thank you, Maia,’ Ally said gratefully. ‘Isn’t it amazing,’ she sighed, ‘how our lives can turn on their heads in a matter of hours?’

‘Yes, it is,’ I agreed fervently. ‘Anyway, at some point, I’d like to know the reason for your happiness.’

‘And at some point, I’ll tell you, I promise. But not just yet. How are you, Maia?’ she asked me suddenly, changing the subject.

‘I’m okay,’ I shrugged. ‘Still in shock like everyone.’

‘Yes, of course you are, and telling our sisters can’t have been easy. I’m sorry that I wasn’t here to help you.’

‘Well, at least the fact that you’re here now means we can meet with Georg Hoffman and begin to move on.’

‘Oh yes, I forgot to say that Ma has asked us to be up at the house in an hour. He’s due here any minute, but wants to have a chat with her first, apparently. So,’ Ally said, ‘can I please have another glass of wine while we wait?’

At seven o’clock, Ally and I walked back to the house and found our sisters sitting in the late evening sun on the terrace.