She pictures her son-in-law, tall and brooding with his craggy looks. Outdoorsy, curt, a little anti-social at times, but he loves his wife and son. Doesn’t he? She might not have been convinced at first, but he’s right for Heather: their personalities meld together, making each a better person. Heather brings Adam out of himself and Adam is a solid, calm presence for Heather, who’s always been so sensible but who, underneath, can be anxious at times. He’s reliable and would do anything for her. And, okay, they argue now and then, but who doesn’t?

‘Margot? Are you all right?’ Jess has finished all the food on her plate, and is leaning back in her chair, her hands resting on her stomach. One of the pom-poms from her jumper is missing.

Margot snaps back to the present. ‘Sorry. I’m just in shock. I need to speak to Adam.’ She stands up. He’ll be due home any time soon and she wants to be alone when she confronts him.

Jess stands up too, gathering up her bag and looking a bit disappointed. ‘I’m sorry to have upset you,’ she says, her voice full of concern.

Margot waves her hand. ‘No. No. It’s not that.’ She’d wanted to ask Jess if she’d come and see Heather, as a friend, not a journalist. Now, though, she wants to be alone with her thoughts. She feels as if she’s being driven mad with them, jumbling in her head, making her feel dizzy.

Jess grabs her coat, shouldering it on. ‘I’ll go. Thank you for a lovely meal. How is Heather, by the way?’

‘She’s getting there.’ Margot surprises herself by giving Jess a quick hug. ‘I’m grateful to you,’ she says, when she’s released her, ‘for caring. You’re a good girl. Thank you for telling me about Adam. I’ll give you a call tomorrow. Heather wants to see you so we’ll have to arrange something soon.’

Jess’s whole face brightens. ‘Really? That’s brilliant. Thank you.’

And then she’s gone. Leaving Margot alone with her thoughts while she waits for her son-in-law to return home.

Chapter 32

32

Jess

The road ahead is dark as I turn out of Tilby Manor onto Cowship Lane. There are no streetlights and I have to concentrate hard on the cats’ eyes in front of me to show the way.