‘Yes and nothing,’ Edie says. ‘I think we were avoiding each other until you came home.’

‘Oh, thanks a bunch.’ I sit back on my chair, stunned. This is even more shocking news than Edie being pregnant again. ‘You know, you really ought to call her and tell her that she’s going to be a grandmother. Again.’

‘You can have too much of a good thing,’ Edie says. ‘Besides, I was waiting until I was out of the danger period.’

‘What, three months?’

‘No, out of danger from her shouting at me for being careless again.’

We both collapse into a heap of giggles.

‘This is good news, Edie,’ I say, holding my sister’s hand.

‘It is,’ she says. ‘Once the initial shock has worn off, I might agree with you. But I promise that I’ll get my tubes tied after this one.’

‘Maybe Lee should get his done as well.’

‘That man is too fertile for his own good,’ Edie pronounces. ‘I think out-and-out castration is what’s needed in his case.’

‘I heard that,’ Lee shouts from somewhere.

‘One slip with that saw,’ I warn, ‘and he could do it himself.’

‘I heard that too,’ Lee calls.

‘As we’re on the subject of coming clean,’ Edie notes, ‘I take it you’ve ’fessed up about this fling with Nepal’s most eligible bachelor?’

‘I’m not sure that it’s any of Jake’s business.’

‘For goodness’ sake,’ Edie says. ‘He’s been pining away without you. Have you noticed how much weight he’s lost?’

I had, actually.

‘You should at least let him know where he stands.’

I sag. ‘I know.’ Which is all very well, but I’m not exactly sure where I stand yet.

‘He came round here for dinner while you were away. If you can call fish fingers and beans “dinner”,’ she adds. ‘He was desperate without you. I know that he’s come to his senses. Despite all that’s happened, deep down he’s always really loved you, Lyssa.’

‘He’s hidden it very well on occasions.’

‘I know,’ she says. ‘But be realistic. Jake and you had a lot going for you as a couple before all this…nonsense…blew up.’

Is having an affair with another woman ‘nonsense’? It seems like pretty painful nonsense to me. And it’s all very well for my sister to pontificate, but her husband has never been anything other than utterly adoring and devoted. Could I just turn a blind eye to Jake’s deceit and carry on as if nothing ever happened?

‘How are you going to continue an affair with this bloke when he’s halfway round the planet. Without a phone and without electricity.’ My sister snaps the last biscuit in half and gives one of the pieces to me. ‘Look, Lyssa.’ She takes my hand. ‘Jake realises he’s made a terrible mistake.’