Meals have been quiet, unsocial affairs of late. Mostly because what Mr and Mrs Wynne deem ‘social’ is flinging veiled insults and self-pity at their children, as though having two remarkable offspring is such a burden to carry that no one could possibly be expected to do such a thing with steadfastness and dignity.

Regardless, after Mr Wynne’s run-in with Edmund in Aidan’s room during his time in the respirator, the older man has come to terms with his frailty, as well ...