‘And where would I live?’ she whispered into the ether, knowing now that the world was big and she was yet to find her place in it. Gone was her dream of having a husband and a family in this little fishing village and so she had forged another life. It was supposedly a temporary life, but it had become her only life, her permanent life with work at the heart of it; working hard to keep distracted from all she missed in this little cove.

‘Oh, my God!’ Miguel wailed from under the covers. ‘I have the worst headache in the world. I feel like your dad might have actually put that axe in my head.’

‘Well, I can’t think why you feel so bad, love? Do you think it was that bag of chips you brought home with you last night; maybe they had some dodgy vinegar on them?’

‘I’d forgotten we got chips!’ he admitted.

‘Or . . . could it be the endless pints of beer you sank on an empty stomach yesterday?’

‘I don’t know what happened!’ He sat up, his whole demeanour riddled with regret, and she felt the smallest amount of pity as she looked at his pale face and bloodshot eyes.

‘You got Kellowed is what happened – my dad’s specialty. He kidnapped you and robbed you of an afternoon. But don’t worry, I shall protect you from him today and you don’t need to think about alcohol until much, much later, when we’ll no doubt raise a glass in toast to the newly-weds.’

‘Oh, my God! Merrin, please don’t even mention alcohol.’ He lay his head back on the pillow and pulled the duvet over his face. This was where she left him, as she tiptoed down the creaky stairs and into the parlour.

‘Morning, my little one.’ Her mum was sitting by the range with a cup of tea. ‘Oh, Merrin! How lovely it is to see your face as you walk down the stairs. You have no idea how wonderful it is to have you here!’

I think I might . . .

‘Morning, Mum. Excited?’ She walked over and kissed her mother on the cheek, and took the mug of tea from her hands, sipping it gratefully as she thought of her wedding morning and the pure joy that had coursed through her veins at the prospect of meeting Digby in the church.

‘So excited! I’ve been up since silly o’clock!’ Heather tutted. ‘It’s all well and good getting an early start, but I’ll pay for it at the other end of the day. I’ll be ready for my bed by eight tonight. And how are you, my lovely? I can’t imagine what it must feel like for you today.’

‘I’m fine.’ Merrin’s answer was brisk, a shutter going up to stop any further enquiry into the very thing she was trying not to dwell on. ‘Dad still asleep?’