. . and halted in mid-stride. Her important member of parliament son’s car was parked outside her house. Of course she was delighted to see him. It gave her a lift of the heart to think he’d come to visit her . . . followed by a downturn of spirits when she remembered that he didn’t usually call on her unless he wanted something. She picked up her pace. Perhaps there was something amiss with her adorable grandson, whom she could never see often enough? But no, she’d have heard if that was the case. Anyway, Parliament had broken up for the winter recess and his mother had taken him up to her parents’ house where he’d be spoiled rotten, the little love. Bea had handed her Christmas presents over to them last week before they left. Max had said he was staying on this week for some urgent parliamentary business. All Max’s business was of the utmost, if not national, importance . . . according to Max. But surely he’d said he was going up north to join his family this weekend?
