Terri gave a gusty sigh. ‘Mum – your granny – wasn’t as relaxed about it as you. It was why I left the village and got in the habit of keeping my private life private. It wasn’t till I heard Laurel’s friend Fliss talking about her girlfriend so casually that I wondered why I’d kept it from you all these years. You’re not shocked, are you?’

Laurel gave Terri’s arm a small squeeze. ‘Of course not. I think the majority of people wouldn’t be, these days. Thanks for telling us.’

Terri took another slug of wine. ‘Well, as for that.’ She cleared her throat, her gaze flicking between her nieces. ‘I’ve told you for a reason.’ Her fingers began to pleat the kitchen roll they’d used as napkins. ‘My friend Opal is …’

Laurel felt that mental ‘clunk’ that came when a piece of a picture fell into place. ‘You’re in a relationship with Opal? The woman you’ve been friends with for years and go on holiday with?’

Eyes glazing with sudden tears, Terri nodded. ‘She’s married, as you know, so more fool me to have waited. Waited for her kids to grow up. Waited for the youngest to finish uni. Waited for the eldest to do her masters.’

‘Oh, bless.’ Rea passed tissues to her aunt and took one herself. ‘That’s so sad, Aunt Terri.’

‘Yeah.’ Terri blew out a gusty sigh. ‘When Opal said she couldn’t go on holiday with me this year, I said I understood because the economy’s tough. Then her husband explained the reason she wasn’t going – they’re saving to go and live in Jamaica where both sets of parents came from. Opal couldn’t meet my eye.’ Terri’s mouth twisted in a grimace. ‘She hadn’t been able to face telling me. I suddenly realised that I hadn’t been waiting for the love of my life, but having an affair with a married woman. I don’t know if they’ll get to Jamaica but hanging around to find out would be hell. And if she goes, staying at home, alone, wouldn’t be much easier.’

She managed a ghost of a smile. ‘I decided to look into retiring to Middledip, where I grew up.’ She looked from one to the other as if half-afraid they’d react with dismay. ‘That’s why I asked to take an extended break here over Christmas. It’ll give me time to look at houses.’

Rea reached across the table where their dirty plates were still stacked and took her aunt’s hand. ‘It would be fantastic to have you in the village. You stay as long as you want.’

‘I agree.’ Laurel topped up their glasses, hoping they’d think her eyes were brimming over Terri’s story rather than the rush of realisation it had unleashed.