‘And me you.’ Merrin pushed her hands into her pockets to stop them shaking and looked up over the path to check no one was coming.

‘So what’s the deal with you and Miguel?’ Bella asked casually.

‘What d’you mean?’

Bella stopped. ‘I mean, I can’t put my finger on it, but I don’t think you’re . . .’

‘Don’t think I’m what?’ Merrin felt the blush on her cheeks as if being accused of something heinous.

Bella took her time. ‘I know you, Merry Mercy Kellow. I’ve known you my whole life and I know when something is making you fizz with happiness, and I know when you’re going through the motions.’

‘You think I’m going through the motions?’ She couldn’t disguise her discomfort at the topic or the whiff of truth that went with it, feeling her face colour.

‘Not exactly, but I can see that he doesn’t light that fire inside you and I worry you might be treading water.’

‘What does that even mean?’ She looked at the sleeping Glynn, conscious of having raised her voice and not wanting to wake the baby.

‘You know what it means.’ Bella reached out and took her friend’s hand. ‘I love you, Merry. You and Rubes are my sisters, even if you are a Cornwall-fleeing traitor.’ She made as if to spit on the path and Merrin laughed. ‘And I want the best for us all and this is the last time I’ll mention it, but when you were with Digby the dickhead’ – this, too, made Merrin chuckle, despite a rising sadness – ‘you were glowing! And it was wonderful to see, but since then, whenever I’ve seen you, it’s like you’re a little diluted, a little turned down, as though you’re afraid to fully grab life or love in case you get it thrown back at you again. And the way you hide away in Thornbury . . . I mean, I can’t believe you’re being brave enough to go to the shop. You! The girl who runs barefoot over rocks. My fearless Merry.’

‘God, that’s so sad.’ Merrin felt the sting of tears at the back of her throat. ‘I don’t want that to be how I’m viewed. But I know it’s the truth. Trust me, Bells, I’m so much better than I was; coming here is such a big deal, and I figured going to the shop would be a good rehearsal for tomorrow.’

‘I get it. And I think it is sad. And I only say it because I want the best for you. I want you to glow like you have this incredible secret; I want you to be that happy!’

‘I do like Miguel.’