Rose sat herself down beside me. ‘I’ve been thinking about the garden, as you asked. We could put the catmint by the fence. It would look good there, and leave space for the boys to play. What do you think?’

A candle guttered, and I leant forward to shield the flame. It was hot against my flesh and I flinched. ‘Mum!’ shrieked Felix. ‘Mum! Can we have presents?’

The flame steadied, and I took my hand away.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Buchan is the author of nine previous novels, including the bestselling Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman, The Good Wife and That Certain Age, all of which received rave reviews. She lives in London with her husband and children.