‘Sorry about that, I should have asked you.’ Georgia stands up and collects the photograph from the dresser. ‘I’m telling him about the house, and about all the people who have been here since he left.’ She hugs the frame close to her chest. ‘I’m taking him into each room and introducing him to everyone who has stayed here. All the people he never met.’ She points at the table. ‘He sat here sometimes, you know, in this room, eating the oaty biscuits that Isobel made, and the parkin. Have I told you about her? I can’t remember. She used to tell me stories about Finlay and how he used to steal a cheese scone or two when he thought he could get away with it. I had no idea he was my grandfather, but I think Isobel must have known.’ Georgia looks at Tess. ‘I’m sorry about being in your room. I was there because it was his bedroom, and I thought he should know about you too.’

She stops for a moment, but she hasn’t finished.

‘I want him to know all about what Annie was like when she grew up, because she was his little sister and I think it’s important that he knows who she became. He saved her life when she was thirteen and they were very close after that. And of course, he was the reason she took in lodgers in the first place. It was his legacy. And I really wanted to tell him about Keith. He would have been pleased that Annie found someone who loved her so much. I think the two of us are almost up to date now, but a hundred years is a lot to catch up on.’ Georgia studies the photograph. ‘I’m telling him about myself as well, because I’m his granddaughter. I think I’m nearly finished, though. Today I was explaining about some things that are going on in my life at the moment.’ She pauses. ‘You see, I don’t need a counsellor. I have a grandfather, and he’s a very good listener.’

Tess understands at last. It all makes perfect sense now.

Chapter 67

Late August 2011

Georgia is starting to feel as though the work on the house is almost complete, even though the kitchen is far from being finished. The restlessness which she has felt under the surface all her life is settling, little by little, with each day that passes.