The Stepmother (43 page)

There are a great many people I would like to thank for this book, and a few special ones without whom I would not have been able to write it at all. However, since I think it better not to name names, these acknowledgments may look a little thin. That doesn't mean you are not in my thoughts. You are. I think marriage is one of the few remaining taboo subjects, and talking about it isn't easy. So, to those people who were brave or drunk enough to share their inner fears, suspicions, annoyances, joys, dependencies, infidelities, frustrations, and fantasies, I thank you. Most of you know who you are; others, whom I accosted in coffee shops, bars, buses, and ladies' rooms, never will, but I thank you all the same.

There are a few, however, I can name. Gaby, I don't think I would have survived the year without you. You gave me the keys to your house twice and a place to work. You feed my children, order my shopping, and keep me laughing when I feel like screaming. Your mother would be so bloody proud of you. I am. Priya, I wish you didn't live so far away, I wish you weren't my expert on MS, I wish I could work out how to use Skype. Your advice has been invaluable. And Cath, for a thousand little things, on top of which you scooped me up when I was on my knees and whisked me off to France again. Open the rosé, I feel a song coming on…To my sisters, as always, for their inherent understanding; frankly, I wish you'd both come home. To my parents; we named our daughter Ruby to salute your fortieth wedding anniversary, it is a joy to see you both so content. You are a great incentive to hold on to the mast. Thank you for being such incredible grandparents. To
Electra, again, for strong hands and wise words. To Marion, for the magic.

On the other side of the pond Dorian Karchmar at the William Morris Agency, NYC, took me on—the book did the talking and we became instant friends. I feel so fortunate to have her wisdom and wiles on my side—I raise a glass of Greco di Tufo to you in thanks. Jeanette Perez at HarperCollins also took me on—editing a book with a lactating, hormonal head-case must have been a challenge. You met it, then supassed it. The book is better because of you. Thank you. Back on home turf, I'd like to thank Eugenie Furniss—can't believe I didn't manage to put you off! To Merla, for practically everything else. I feel privileged to have such impressive women on my side.

Thanks to everyone who works at Chez Christophe. What would I have done without your coffee, cakes, and wi-fi? This book only got finished because you gave me a place to hide.

I owe a debt of gratitude to TG Teoh and the amazing team at St. Mary's who got me out of a tight spot. Thank you. Especially the registrar, Chrissie, whom I forgot to thank the first time. I thank you all for your calmness; I knew I was in the best possible hands.

Lastly, forever, to Adam. It passed! Bloody hell, it's hard, but it's worth it. Sometimes I don't know how we'll manage to get to the end of the day, other times I know in my soul we'll make it, and what scares me then is that the rest of our lives will be nowhere near long enough.

Cover photo © Getty Images

Jacket design by Christine Van Bree