‘And would she stay for the two years, do you think? You know my usual terms for these arrangements. I don’t want temporary residents, it’s far too disruptive.’

‘To be honest I’m not sure, but she definitely meets your usual criteria: single, willing to work – I don’t think Ms Reid could manage without her, so I imagine that will provide some stability.’

‘I would usually say I’d like some time to think about it, but it doesn’t sound as though that’s going to be possible. Is there anything else I need to know?’

He thinks about his meeting with Tess an hour ago. ‘I know this usually proves to be an obstacle, Miss Williams, but she has a dog. I’m not sure what breed it is but I’d say it’s probably on the small end of middle-sized. My mother would call it a Saint Mongrel.’

‘It was only an obstacle when I had the cats.’

‘Oh really? I thought you didn’t like dogs?’

‘Have I ever said that?’

‘I don’t suppose you have, no. I just assumed—’

‘Never assume, Alasdair, it’s liable to get you into trouble. In your line of work, I would have thought that was a given. Isn’t it bred into law students at university?’ Georgia didn’t wait for an answer. ‘Very well. Let me have her phone number and I’ll give her a call.’

‘Unfortunately, that’s one of the complicating factors. She doesn’t have a mobile phone.’

‘No phone?’ Georgia’s tone is incredulous. ‘How does she manage? Everyone has a phone.’

‘Perhaps that’s something you could ask her?’

‘Yes, I will do that, you can be sure of it. Tell her to come this afternoon at two o’clock. It is fortuitous that I did my baking on Saturday. How will you get in touch with her, though, if she doesn’t have a phone?’

‘She’s in the waiting room.’

‘And is the dog with her? I would need to meet the dog.’

‘I think it’s a sort of terrier. I’ll be sure to tell her to bring it with her.’

‘I’d better go and push the vacuum cleaner around. I don’t want to make a poor impression. Two o’clock sharp. Make sure she knows about the sharp part.’

Georgia ends the call and starts to make a mental list. The hall and kitchen are clean enough, but she’s barely been into the bedrooms for months. She walks up the stairs, her lips moving as she climbs. There are sash windows to be lifted and fresh air to be let in before anyone can see the place.

Chapter 54

February 2011