‘We help each other. Well, that’s what I wish. I want to be-it’s just that-if only-’

His shoulders sagged and she saw the glint of tears on his cheeks. Evie abandoned words and took him in her arms, holding him while his shoulders shook.

‘I’m sorry,’ he sobbed.

‘You’ve nothing to be sorry about. If you’re sad you need to cry, and tell someone.’

‘There isn’t anyone,’ he sobbed. ‘Nobody understands.’

She did the only thing she could-tightened her arms and rocked back and forth, trying to comfort him.

A sound made her look up to see Justin standing in the open door. He stood dead still as though amazement had stopped him in his tracks, and she was reminded of the way he had looked at her on the terrace.

Quietly she shook her head, and he retreated without a word.

Mark seemed unaware. He freed himself and straightened up, wiping his eyes and managing a smile.

‘Sorry,’ he said again.

‘Don’t be,’ she told him.

He was obviously embarrassed, as though feeling he’d given way to an unmanly display.

Sweet heaven! she thought. He’s only twelve years old.

‘It’s getting late,’ she said. ‘Why don’t you go to bed?’

‘Will you come and say goodnight before you go?’

‘Yes, I promise.’

She gave him another hug, then went downstairs, feeling thoughtful.

Through the open door of the front room she could see Justin, and walked in.

‘Is he all right?’ Justin asked gruffly.

‘Not really. But he’s calmed down, and he’s going to bed. I promised to look in and say goodnight before I leave, but I think you should go up to him now.’

‘There’s no point,’ he said wearily. ‘This has happened before. He won’t talk to me. He hates me.’

‘He doesn’t,’ she said at once.

He looked at her sharply. ‘You know that? What did he say?’

‘I can’t tell you what he said. It’s confidential between him and me-’