“Your father-in-law built this estate on discipline, Mara,” Judith said to the windowpane.

“He never put up with a woman who raised her voice.”

“I haven’t raised my voice,” I said.

Judith didn’t reply.

She picked up her gold spoon, stirred her cold tea once and set the spoon down on the white tablecloth.

I turned and walked out into the empty hall, my silver wedding band tight on my finger as the tall clock on the landing struck seven.

I climbed the stairs to Maisie’s room and eased the door open.