"The fact that you're coping so well is, well. Admirable, really," Barbara gushed, "and I wouldn't trust Stacey, either. Not with something like a spare leg."

Their tea arrived in beautiful pots with matching cups, saucers, small milk jugs and sugar bowls. Barbara thanked the waitress and rearranged her own things the way she liked them. Then folded her hands in her lap to let the tea settle before she poured.

"What do you usually drink at home, if you don't drink tea?" she asked by way of continuing the conversation.