Sophie had flown the nest to start her new life at the University of Manchester and, with Father away all day, lecturing, the house was unusually peaceful. David sprawled out on the enormous four-seater settee that dominated the lounge, casually scrolling down Netflix music on the television, searching for a video that took his fancy. Mother pushed her head around the door.
“Just making some tea, do you want a cup?”
“Please,” he answered, his gaze not leaving the screen.
“Here we are.” She placed a tray with two mugs and a plate laden with slices of madeira, fruit cake, and chocolate sponge on a low coffee table that Father had sanded and cut off its legs, halfway down.
“Made yesterday,” Mother said, proudly.
“I would expect nothing less of you.” He reached over and chose one sponge a
