‘That was a fucking lifetime ago!’ Merrin felt her heart hammer in exasperation, as she punched her thighs. ‘I didn’t mean to say it, I didn’t mean it! And I’ve already apologised. I can’t keep apologising!’ She shook her head and rubbed her face, wanting silence, wanting Ruby to shut up.

‘Not for me; it wasn’t a lifetime ago for me! And how dare you say that? Even on my bloody wedding day, half the talk was about how you were coping with the day and how strange it must all be for Merrin, the poor lamb. My wedding day! People were coming up to me all day and I thought they were going to congratulate me but instead they looked me in the eye and said, “Oh, this must be so tough for little Merrin . . .”’

‘And what do you think that was like for me? I can’t shake it off! The girl who got jilted, “poor little Merrin!”’

‘And even now, your little comments like, “Oh, Jarvis loved Dad . . .” Don’t tell me about my husband, you don’t know him, you have no idea what goes on in his head.’

‘I never said I did! I don’t know him like you do, of course I don’t, and sometimes, Ruby, I wonder if I know you!’

‘Enough! Enough now!’ a desperate voice boomed.

Merrin turned to see her mother leaning on the wall, pale and listing, as if the strength might at any moment leave her legs. She and Ruby jumped up from their chairs and rushed towards her. They each lifted an arm and walked her to the seat Ruby had just vacated, helping to lower her into it. Bella went to fill the kettle, as if knowing if ever there was a need for tea, it was now. Merry’s heart raced, still raging at her sister’s words, sad beyond reason for her loss and now guilty, too, that she had caused her grieving mother one second of further anguish.

Heather spoke softly but with uncharacteristic anger. ‘I never say this, I never think it, but I am bloody ashamed of you both. We are waiting to bury your father and yet you two see fit to fight like children before he’s even cold? What the hell is wrong with you?’

Merrin looked down, ashamed and belittled. Ruby chewed the inside of her cheek.