The wrappings from the parcel were scattered on the table, the case lay open beside them.
As her mother watched a little apprehensively, Becky looked at her, in turn, over the flute she was holding to her lips. Then with a small nod, Becky began to play.
The piece Paddy had been rehearsing with the orchestra for the prize-giving concert was an arrangement of Bach’s Air on a G String. As the first notes of the famous melody sounded, Becky pulled the flute away and grinned at her mother with relief.
‘It’s okay!’ she said. ‘It really is.’
Immediately she swept the flute to her lips again, and began once more, but this time completing the entire melody.
‘It’s lovely,’ laughed Donna Pym. ‘It’s really, really lovely.’
Becky put the flute down, laughing too.
‘Well,’ said Donna, ‘we’ll get you to play it to Max tonight. He’s coming round for dinner.’
Becky grinned and said, ‘Sure, why not?’
‘I suppose we could ask Johnny, too,’ said Donna. ‘Seeing how he had something to do with losing it for you.’
‘He’ll be pleased,’ said Becky. ‘I’ll give him a call.’
‘I don’t know, though,’ smiled her mother, teasing. ‘Does Johnny like that kind of music?’
Becky had already picked the phone up. She grinned at her mother.
‘He’s getting to like it more all the time,’ she said.