They entered through the side gate, bypassing the caravan park, but it led to the path that ran parallel with the paddock. Uncle Leo was bringing in Margot’s horse, Saba, for the night. He turned when he heard them, a frown on his face. ‘What are you doing?’ he whispered. ‘Your mum’s going insane in there.’ He waved towards the house.

‘We’re only ten minutes late,’ said Heather, thinking on her feet. ‘Flora fell over and twisted her ankle so it took longer getting back.’

He took in Flora’s unsteadiness and her glassy-eyed look. ‘Has she been on the wacky-baccy?’ he hissed.

Heather was certain that Flora had taken something. She wasn’t that naïve. She’d read about drugs and they’d had to watch a video at school last term. But she wasn’t about to tell Uncle Leo that.

Leo sighed, pushing his dark curls away from his face. Margot was now striding out of the front door and marching towards them.

‘Say nothing,’ he said. ‘I’ll cover for you. But get Flora into the house.’

‘Sorry, sis,’ called Leo, as Margot approached. ‘The girls were just helping me with the horses.’

‘They’re late,’ she snapped, glaring at her daughters and folding her arms over her chest. ‘I told you to be back at nine thirty.’

Before Heather could open her mouth to defend herself, Leo interjected, ‘They were here. Flora had sprained her ankle so was just sitting on the grass. That’s why I didn’t see them.’

Flora groaned, and Heather wasn’t sure if she was playing along or it was the effect of whatever she’d taken.

Margot uncrossed her arms, instantly thawing. ‘Oh, right. Was it the left one?’ When Heather nodded, Margot turned to Flora. ‘Are you okay, honey? You have to be careful with that ankle.’ Flora had broken it when she was six in a skipping accident, which had weakened the bone. Heather felt a sudden stab of guilt that they were playing on Margot’s worries.

‘And while Flora was recovering,’ Leo continued, winking at the girls when Margot wasn’t looking, ‘Heather helped me with Saba.’

Heather was terrified their mother would be able to see the real reason for her elder daughter’s state, even if it was now dark.

‘She’s fine,’ Heather said hurriedly, moving her sister away and heading towards the house. ‘I’ll help her to bed,’ she called over her shoulder. ‘Don’t worry.’

‘Make sure to put on that supportive sock,’ Margot called after them.