‘What, wouldn’t you have expected someone who could think so highly of Reggie to have had principles?’ I said, finding myself biting at his remark. I had promised myself that I wouldn’t do this, that I was going to rise above it and not confront him.

‘That’s not what I meant. It was an unusual observation, that’s all. I just wondered what made you describe her in that way.’

‘She believes in being brutally honest, acknowledging our failings and learning from them; trying to be better people. She studied philosophy, you know.’

‘Very commendable.’ I read this remark as sarcasm, and it irritated me further.

I turned to look at him, feeling suddenly defiant. ‘Do you?’

‘Do I what?’ He looked taken aback.

‘Believe in being honest?’

He looked uncomfortable. I wondered if he had ever considered that Reggie might have told Maryam about his indiscretion.

‘Well? It’s a fair question,’ I said.

He seemed to be deliberating over an appropriate response. His voice was quiet. ‘I think honesty is usually the best policy, yes. But there are times when a white lie might be acceptable. Sometimes, unless it’s absolutely necessary, it’s kinder to bend the truth, if it would mean hurting someone; especially someone who’s vulnerable and might be badly affected. Wouldn’t you agree?’

I turned to face him. Jack looked straight into my eyes and the concern was etched onto his face. He had been at work for almost thirteen hours, and looked drawn and tired. He might have had a really shit day, for all I knew, but he rarely came home in a bad mood. He certainly never took it out on me, or on Elodie. My husband was kind and patient, and caring.

In spite of everything, my anger melted and I felt suddenly overcome with emotion. I could never not love him. Yes, he had made a really stupid mistake; but it was a long time ago. So much in our lives had changed since then. And who was I to take the moral high ground? I certainly wasn’t perfect, either. If I were to stand in judgement of Jack or anyone else, I had to be prepared to be judged myself. I shuddered as I reflected on my own past misdeeds and had to acknowledge that some secrets were best never shared.

‘I suppose so. If it meant shielding someone from real devastation, then, yes. But there would have to be a very good reason for it.’

‘I’m glad we’re agreed on that.’ He heaved a sigh. Cupping my chin in his hands, he kissed me gently on the lips. ‘Christ, I thought I’d done something wrong for a minute. You looked like a woman with murder on her mind when I came in.’

I smiled. ‘Oh, ignore me. It’s been an emotional day.’

‘I don’t want to upset you again, but there’s something you should know.’