What she did so well wasn’t atonement, Jennifer knew. She had nothing to atone for. When her other commitments allowed she collected Emily herself, instead of delegating to the nanny, because she adored the child and wanted her always to feel as safe as she did. She contributed to fund-raising because Gerald could more than afford it and she organized charity events superbly well because it was a practical and worthwhile way of occupying her mind as well as passing on just a little of the good fortune she’d never believed it possible to have.

Jennifer managed the turn at last, hurrying the final few hundred metres when she saw some children already-being bundled into cars.

Miss Singleton formed a physical barrier at the kindergarten entrance, not releasing any child until she recognized the parent or the nanny. The teacher beckoned Emily forward at Jennifer’s arrival and announced, ‘She’s been a very clever girl today.’

Emily proudly held up the postcard of a cow and Jennifer entered into the solemnity of the moment, taking her time to read the handwritten declaration on the back that it had been awarded to Emily Lomax for recognizing the letter C.

‘Wonderful!’ Jennifer enthused. ‘I’m very proud of you.’

‘Will Daddy be?’

‘I know he will.’ They began to return to the car, Emily automatically reaching up for Jennifer’s hand, waving with the other to various children who called to her.

‘I’ve got a card in my bag. Sally’s having a party next week. Can I go?’

‘Of course.’

‘She’s four, like me.’

‘But you were four three months ago.’

‘Does that matter?’

Jennifer laughed. ‘No.’

‘She wants a dog. A real one.’

Jennifer carefully secured the child into the rear-facing safety seat, brushing the bundle of curls from her forehead and kissing her. ‘Maybe if she’s a good girl she’ll get one.’

‘She doesn’t know what C means yet.’