gently cleans Mabel’s bottom with a cotton pad soaked in warm water. There is a tenderness in her actions that was missing before. The postnatal depression seems to have gone and Amber seems happier than ever, even though she’s a single mum now with nobody to share the everyday care.
‘Is George coming?’ Ruby asks as he drifts into her thoughts.
‘No.’ Amber sits back on her heels. ‘I invited him but he said he’d feel awkward with family there. And he was worried about the media turning up in the park. I don’t think they will, but … you know … He’s very fragile.’
Ruby nods while Mabel kicks her legs in the air, enjoying the freedom. ‘How often does he see her?’
‘Once a week. Sometimes he misses. I don’t think he’ll keep it up. He still loves her, but …’ She sighs. ‘He’s confused. He’s her father and yet not her father – doesn’t know what his role is any more. I feel really sorry for him, but I can’t help.’
‘No chance you’ll get back together?’
‘No,’ she replies quickly. ‘There’s too much to fix. I think we’d been pulling apart for years, we just hadn’t realised it. We’re putting the flat on the market in September. It’s the best thing. We all need a fresh start.’ She turns to Mabel. ‘Right, you, time to get a lovely clean nappy on.’
Amber gives her a grateful look. ‘Mum’s been an absolute rock, and so have you. And there’s Seth, of course. He comes over all the time – cooks meals, cleans the bathroom, hangs the washing up. He keeps offering to babysit, but I’m not ready yet. Hopefully, in time …’ She pauses for a moment to gather herself, then resumes dressing Mabel.
‘Seth’s coming to the picnic, I presume.’
‘Oh yes. Mum’s not very happy. She regards Seth as a rival in the contest to be Mabel’s favourite.’
‘Hey, I win that hands down.’ Ruby grins. ‘But seriously, Mum should adore Seth; he saved her granddaughter’s life. God knows what would have happened if she’d stayed with Terri.’
A hole opens up in the conversation and the two sisters pour their thoughts into it. By the time the police raided Midsummer Cottage, Terri was already dead – both wrists slashed, Seth’s note crumpled in her bloody hand. He’d been right to trick her, to steal Mabel from under her nose. It would have been too risky to call the police. If Terri had realised that she was about to be caught, she would have killed Mabel before taking her own life. Even DI Benedict declared Seth a hero in the end.
‘Well, I’m really pleased he’s coming,’ says Ruby. ‘Mum will just have to put up with it.’
Amber sits Mabel up so that she can fasten the button at the back of her neck. Her dress, having its first outing for the party, is exquisite – grass-green cotton with tiny yellow flowers, perfectly complementing her peachy skin and auburn hair. Rows of smocking across the front, puffy sleeves and a white Peter Pan collar complete the classic look. She could be a baby from almost any era since the 1950s.
‘She’s gorgeous,’ Ruby exclaims, instantly regretting the choice of adjective, forever to be associated with George. Before she can stop it, her mind instantly flits to Lewis. How come she’d never noticed the similarity between father and daughter before? A flame of anger ignites deep inside and she looks away from Amber, biting hard on her lip to beat back the tears. She loved Lewis, really loved him. He hurt her very badly, but he didn’t deserve his punishment. He’s out of hospital now, being looked after by his parents. His mother occasionally sends Ruby updates by email. The last she heard he was predicted to make a full recovery, but it’s been a long haul. He says he can’t remember being attacked, let alone by whom. Ruby’s not sure she believes that, but if he’s lying, she’s impressed by his ability to forgive. The police debated for ages whether to proceed with the prosecution, but eventually the case was dropped for lack of evidence. George was released and, strangely mirroring his victim, went to stay with his parents. It’s as if the men have become children again, leaving the women to carry on with the adult work.
Amber lifts Mabel up. ‘Shall we give her your present now?’ she asks.