The front door shut with a heavy thump that shook the pine floorboards.

At a quarter to seven Daniel came into the dining room in his tailored navy blazer, carrying three stemless crystal glasses.

He pulled out the high-backed chair at the head of the table and sat down with his jacket still on.

He filled each glass halfway with the dark red wine, then raised his own.

He knocked his heavy gold ring against the crystal rim three times, making a sharp ringing sound that bounced off the china cabinet.

“To family,” Daniel said, holding his glass out across the table toward me.