She felt a rush of panic that she’d done the wrong thing.

Martha parked. “Are you all right, Kathleen?”

“Never better.” For the first time she wished she hadn’t invited Josh to join them. She might have had a short nap in the car as they were driving. As it was she was exhausted with keeping up jolly conversation, and the past kept nagging at her, ending all hope of relaxation.

To her mortification she needed Martha’s help to get out of the back of the car.

“It’s the angle,” Martha said gently, supporting Kathleen so that she could lever herself from the back seat.

“It’s the age.” Kathleen straightened and felt the world spin. She clung to Martha.

“Kathleen?” Holding her tightly, Martha aimed the key at the trunk and opened it. “Josh? Could you bring our luggage so that I can help Kathleen inside?”

Kathleen tried to steady herself. “I’ve been sitting too long, that’s all. My body has seized up. I need a moment, and then I’ll be fine.”

“You prebooked?” Josh unloaded their luggage. “Why don’t you let me go and sort out your rooms. I’ll bring your key back. Save you an extra walk to the reception desk.”

Was she really going to let a spell of dizziness stop her enjoying her trip? No, she wasn’t.

“Thank you, but we can manage. Are you staying here too, Josh?”

“That was my plan.” He picked up their cases. “And I’m grateful for the ride this far. Can I buy you dinner as a thank-you?”

All Kathleen wanted to do was lie down, but she knew that if she suggested they went without her Martha would accuse her of matchmaking.

But Martha was looking at her with concern. “I think what we need right now is to settle into our rooms and have a nice cup of Earl Grey tea before we decide about the evening. How does that sound, Kathleen?”

It sounded idyllic.

Swamped by gratitude, Kathleen slid her arm through Martha’s as they walked to reception.

Martha stroked her hand. “We’ve overdone it. Don’t you worry. You’ll feel good as new once you’ve had a nice sit down and a cuppa.”

It was remarkable how comfortable she felt with Martha.

Why were things not this easy with her own daughter? Perhaps it was because being with Liza reminded her of her own failings. Whether it was refusing to quietly relocate to a home, giving up bacon or having an emotional conversation, she felt as if she couldn’t be what Liza wanted her to be.