Rebecca introduced her husband Jonathan, who looked like he'd just stepped off the cover of GQ. They were friendly enough, though, and too soon I had to leave Sarah to sit down. I stayed in sight as the rest of the mourners filed past, and for the next hour I watched Sarah as she dealt stoically with all comers. She glanced at me frequently, hopefully taking strength from my presence.

Finally the line ended, the funeral director standing at the back, turning some well-wishers away. He announced over a wireless microphone that services would begin in twenty minutes' time.

As the last of the queue finished Sarah made her way...