Richard appeared at the edge of her vision, caught her eye from across the room, and tipped his head slightly—I’ve got everything. Helen turned back to Owen. Outside the garden doors, the evening had deepened to a dark blue. The reception had found its footing again around them.
Claire appeared at the garden entrance. She had her phone in her hand and the careful, controlled expression she wore when she had found something and was deciding whether to use it. She looked at Owen, then at Helen, and said, “Mum. Can I have one minute?”