‘Yes, he does,’ Esther conceded, having to laugh, but also wishing, as Lily leant into Lucas and he put his arm round her, that she could be the one to offer comfort. ‘It’s nice that you two were able to do this together,’ she said, finding something that felt not far off bravery herself. ‘Are you with Dad for lunch today, then, darling?’

‘No, just looking in…’ The pair of them exchanged a glance. ‘Catching up properly, aren’t we, Dad?’

‘That’s nice,’ Esther said, as Lucas nodded. ‘And, Lucas, I do hope the whole business of the suspension—’

‘Oh yes, that’s all settling down, thank you. All good. Getting lots of work done. Looking ahead et cetera.’

‘I am pleased for you,’ Esther replied, aware she was being told to mind her own business, and reminding herself she had no right to expect otherwise.

‘And I’ve got to jump off this call and get on with some stuff,’ Lily pitched in quickly, back to full brightness. ‘I’ll do what I can, and let you both know, okay?’

She blew a kiss at the screen as she slipped off her seat and out of sight. Chico chose the same moment to hop up onto Esther’s lap, trailing his tail unhelpfully across her face.

‘You have a cat.’ For an instant, astonishment drained every trace of dourness from Lucas’s face.

‘A rescue – he was my neighbour’s, but she died.’

‘But you don’t like cats.’

‘I like this one. And what’s the point of life if you can’t change your views?’ Esther retorted, giving the cat a stroke that made him arch his back for more. ‘Do you have any plans for Christmas?’ she ploughed on, keen to divert the strong possibility of her comment sparking any unwelcome debate, Lucas rarely wavering from the opportunity to take offence. Instead, he picked up a pair of blue-framed glasses she hadn’t seen before, and rubbed at the lenses with the edge of his jumper for a moment before setting them down again.

‘Not as yet. Lots of moving parts, Christmas-wise.’

‘Oh, okay. Because I was sort of hoping that Lily might come to Amersham?’

‘Lily. Amersham. By all means.’

‘At least for Mum’s birthday, and then staying through for Christmas Day, but perhaps coming on to you and Heidi from Boxing Day?’

‘Sounds fine. Whatever Lily wants. It’s her call.’

They were both silent for a moment.

‘Your mother’s birthday bash, eh?’ Lucas said, just as she was about to sign off. ‘Twenty-third of December. Vol-au-vents and coronation chicken. Trifle and fresh custard. I remember it well.’

‘You hated it. Every year. Without fail.’

‘Yes, I did.’ He gave a rueful chuckle.

‘She still adores you,’ Esther murmured wryly. ‘Despite everything.’