‘But if that’s the case, then why hasn’t she been returning my calls?’
‘Maybe she hasn’t had the opportunity. You know it’s her busiest time of the year at the moment. She was looking forward to her birthday trip away, but at the same time she was worrying because of having to delegate. And you know how hands-on she likes to be. I told her I’d love to help out more with Beth and Freya, but I’ve too many shifts at the hospital this month. I think I might cut down on my hours next year so I can lend more of a hand with my grandchildren.’
‘That would be lovely, Celia. You should definitely take things easier.’ I’m surprised and a little hurt that Madeline hasn’t confided any of her worries to me. We normally talk to one another about these types of things. But now it seems Madeline is growing closer to Celia, talking to her rather than me.
I try to bat away an unwelcome tinge of jealousy. I’d always thought of Celia as being closer to me than Madeline. Perhaps my mother-in-law is growing weary of me. I immediately dismiss that thought as my overtiredness talking.
‘I feel for Madeline, I really do, but she’s definitely avoiding me.’ I hate how petulant I sound.
Celia doesn’t reply and I’m worried she might be upset with me for going on about Madeline. I realise it was a bad idea to talk about my sister-in-law with Celia. She isn’t one for gossip or bad-mouthing people. Maybe she thinks I’m being out of order. I need to rectify my mistake.
‘Sorry, Celia. I’m sure you’re right. I think I’m just rattled after seeing Dina. Ignore me.’ I exhale, trying to get rid of all the negative thoughts swilling around my brain.
‘Look,’ Celia glances across at me again. ‘I’m going to tell you something that might shed some light on why Madeline may have been a bit off lately.’ She turns on the wipers as rain continues to splatter the windscreen. ‘I probably shouldn’t say anything, but I’m sure you can be discreet.’
‘Of course.’ I’m more than a little intrigued.
‘Madeline and Nick are going through a few difficulties in their relationship at the moment.’
‘Oh.’ That’s the last thing I expected. ‘Poor Madeline… and Nick, of course.’
‘I don’t know the ins and outs of it – I didn’t ask – but Nick confided that they’re going through a rough patch. That’s why he took her away for her birthday – so they could have some time on their own to fix things.’
‘Well that sounds hopeful. But…’ I tail off.
‘But what?’
‘It’s just… if that’s the case, why would Madeline be sniffy with me? It’s awful that they’re going through a rocky patch, but why take it out on me? Why not confide in me instead? I thought we were close.’
‘You are. But Madeline can be insecure and, given her circumstances, I think she might be a little jealous of your marriage, what with the anniversary party and everything. Give her some time. She’ll be fine.’
I guess that makes sense, but instead of putting my mind at ease, Celia has set it racing again. Could Madeline’s so-called jealousy have driven her to do something awful, like try to get closer to Toby? Or am I letting my imagination run away with me?
‘She was fine with me at our taster lunch last week.’
‘Yes, you’re right, she was,’ Celia muses. ‘Well, I’m sure whatever the problem is, it won’t last. You girls will make it up. After all, you’re family. And Madeline’s very fond of you, no matter how she might be acting at the moment.’
I wish I could ask Celia to have a word with her, but that doesn’t seem fair. Maybe she will anyway, without me having to ask. ‘Thanks. I hope you’re right.’
‘Of course I am,’ she replies jokily. ‘You know, maybe this isn’t anything to do with you at all. Maybe she’s just worried about the appeal to stop the redevelopment. I know she’s been worrying a lot about it recently.’
‘Maybe.’ But I sense that Madeline’s problem has nothing to do with the appeal. It’s something more. Something personal. I suppose I should be relieved that Celia doesn’t know why Madeline’s been acting strangely. It means my mother-in-law isn’t involved in whatever’s going on.
‘Here we are.’ Celia flicks on the indicator. It’s only taken a few minutes to drive to the police station. I stare out of the windscreen in dismay. It’s bucketing down outside. Grey sheets of water sluice the exterior of Celia’s Smart car, running in rivulets down the icy pavement. ‘I hope that lot doesn’t freeze later,’ she comments, eyeing the weather through narrowed eyes while she swings expertly into a narrow parking space outside the station.
‘I think this space is for police cars only. The visitor car park is over there.’ I point to a large empty lot a few yards away.
‘Yes, but it’s pouring, Zoe. We’ll get drenched if we park so far away. We won’t be long. It’ll be fine, come on.’
I feel guilty for dragging her out in this vile weather with me. ‘You really don’t have to come in. Why don’t you wait in the car, stay dry?’
‘I don’t mind coming to give you some moral support. Make sure they take you seriously. Don’t want them fobbing you off like last time.’
We make a run for it, dashing up the ramp and into the drab brick building.
The reception area is empty, and a uniformed officer comes to the front desk to greet us. She looks about my age.
‘Celia!’ The officer smiles at my mother-in-law. ‘How are you?’