‘About six months ago, something changed between me and Nevis. Not the usual teenage stuff or mother–daughter stuff. It happened overnight, like a tulip going over, you know, the way the petals drop away until all that’s left is the green centre.’

‘And you have no idea what caused it?’

Sometimes it is easier just to tell the whole truth.

‘I’m not sure. There was one evening when I came in a bit worse for wear and inadvertently called Nevis by her birth mother’s name.’ Alex winces sympathetically but says nothing, so Honor continues, ‘I think Nevis believes I would rather she was more like Zoe. It’s not true though. I never wanted Nevis to be anyone but herself. It was just an idiotic mistake.’

‘We all make them.’

It is good of Alex to want to try to console her but she is not ready to be soothed.

‘But that was at the end of last spring and things settled down over the summer. At least I thought they did. Nevis’s friend, Satnam – the one who’s in hospital – came to stay with her boyfriend Luke and we had a great time. Just before Nevis came back here for the start of the academic year something happened. I’ve no idea what and she won’t tell me, but her attitude towards me completely changed. Like, overnight.’ She feels her face prickle, the tear ducts begin to pulse. Her hands ball into fists from the effort of chasing the tears away. ‘I just wonder if, I don’t know, she was attacked or something and doesn’t know how to tell me.’

For a moment Alex hesitates, uncertain how best to respond, then gathering himself, he leans towards her and lays a hand on her shoulder.

‘The work on the boat will wait… I’m sorry, that was a silly thing to say. Of course the boat doesn’t matter at all.’ His hand grips the flesh where the arm meets the shoulder. ‘What I really meant to say is that you might feel better if you find out.’

Chapter 31

Nevis

‘Do you know Luigi’s? It’s only a few minutes’ walk away,’ the Dean says.