I sat up, rubbing my eyes and feeling oddly tranquillised. He handed me Elodie, whose open mouth eagerly sought her food. She latched on to my breast as though she hadn’t been fed for a week. Jack sat on the bed and took my hand.

‘D’you feel a bit better?’

‘I do, actually. Mrs Barley gave me something – one of her herbal things. I’ve slept like a log.’

He looked dubious. ‘Nothing iffy, was it?’

‘She assured me not – assyfetta or something, I think it was called. Anyway, I feel a bit more human.’ I sighed. ‘I’m sorry. I’ve been so convinced that there was someone out there – maybe you’re right. I know hormones and sleep deprivation can do funny things to the brain. Maybe I need to talk to the GP.’

‘Whatever you think. But I reckon given a bit of time and rest, you’ll be fine. And I’m sorry too. I’ve felt pretty crap today. I didn’t mean to snap.’

He hugged me as best he could with the baby guzzling between us, then kissed the top of my head. ‘Early night for us all, I think – that’s a first for Christmas Day!’

I laughed. ‘Yes. Where’s Mrs Barley, by the way?’

‘She left just after you came up to bed. I think she was worn out, poor thing. But at least she didn’t have to spend the day on her own.’

I felt bad. My little meltdown apart, it would have been a memorable occasion for the old woman. I was angry with myself, feeling that I had spoiled everything, but determined to see it as a blip and try to be more rational and logical in future.

Next year, Elodie would be older and things would have settled down.

Next year would be better.

CHAPTER 16

By the time spring came, Elodie was developing into quite a character, and with nobody else close by to help us out, Mrs Barley had readily assumed the role of surrogate grandmother. Jack and I rarely went out socially, but it was good to know we had a willing, reliable babysitter on our doorstep whose help we could call upon if we needed it. Elodie was always quite happy with Mrs Barley, and I would often leave her at Rose Cottage if I went shopping. She had her moments and was definitely a bit idiosyncratic, but as time passed, I grew to trust her and had no qualms about her looking after my daughter as Elodie clearly loved the old woman and always went to her readily. In spite of everything, I was confident that she would never come to any harm in her care.