They eat in silence for a while, then Honor says, ‘I’d like to remain in Bristol for a bit just till you get through this. I wouldn’t have to stay with you. I could find somewhere to crash for a few days.’ Where, though? she wonders. Bristol is an expensive city and Honor has no money. Still, she will have to find a way. Get in touch with the bargee community, pick up some work readying boats for the summer season. Whatever.

She watches Nevis’s face for a reaction and gets none. Of all her daughter’s quirks this habit she has of pulling down the blinds is the most puzzling. What are her thoughts? What feelings are passing through that sweet head? Honor watches her turning her phone over and over in her hand. Eventually, Nevis frowns and says, ‘You’re not even dressed.’

‘I’ll pick up some clothes in a charity shop.’ Honor gets all her clothes this way.

Nevis’s right hand reaches across her body and pings at the elastic worry band hanging from her left wrist. ‘I’m not going to kill myself if that’s what you’re thinking.’

Honor’s chest tightens. For a moment she finds herself too shocked to speak. The thought has not occurred to her. Why would Nevis suppose that it had?

‘Why on earth would I be thinking that?’

‘Because you don’t trust me. You’ve never just trusted me.’

And with that Nevis gets up, reaches around the chair for her peacoat and sweeps across the floor of the café. Honor watches her go, her heart telling her to follow, her head keeping her in her seat. She sits there for what seems like the longest time, fixed in place, immovable. Eventually Nevis reappears, embarrassed and with an odd, forced smile on her face.

Planting a small, lukewarm kiss on her mother’s cheek, she says, ‘Sorry about that. Bit of a stressful night. Thanks for coming and everything, but I’m OK, really. I’ve got a shift at the chippy later. And a ton of coursework. If things take a downturn with Satnam…’

‘I hope they won’t.’

‘But if they do…’

‘I’ll be here – so long as you don’t mind me staying in Bristol for a bit?’

Nevis considers this and gives a shrug. It’s a deal then.

‘Well, I’ll be off,’ Nevis says, pointing to the exit.

‘Let me at least give you a lift.’

Honor notes her daughter’s hesitation, as if Nevis has something else to say and can’t find a way to say it. ‘Darling, if there’s something you’re not telling me, please, you know I won’t judge you whatever it is?’