Claudia needed to know how Phillipa’s closest friends had reacted to the verdict of the public inquiry, but so far they were keeping their thoughts to themselves. Bryony had eventually responded to one of Claudia’s many messages, but only to offer her apologies for the meeting. The clock was ticking down on Claudia’s fifteen minutes of fame.

‘That was a quick meeting,’ Yvonne said as she practically skipped out of Harriet’s offices into bright, wintry sunshine.

‘I was disappointed with the turnout,’ replied Claudia sourly. ‘Setting up the hardship fund may not be as glamorous as planning the memorial service, but it’s just as important, if not more so.’

The schoolteacher glanced at the papers in her hand. ‘They probably saw the agenda and didn’t think they were needed. It was quite a dry meeting, but sometimes that’s for the best. It’s good that we can get on and do things instead of wasting hours simply talking about it.’

Claudia was reminded of what Bryony had said about the thinkers and the doers. Watching Yvonne shove her papers into her fake Burberry satchel, she knew which group she preferred. ‘I won’t keep you in that case. I’m sure you have lots to be getting on with.’

‘Oh.’ Yvonne looked crestfallen. ‘I was going to suggest we go for a bite to eat. But if you’re in a hurry?’

‘Ah, that’s a shame. Maybe another time.’

Claudia made a show of returning to her car, but the idea of going home to an empty apartment held no attraction. She checked her phone as she waited for Yvonne to disappear out of sight and cleared another missed call from Leanne before dialling Bryony’s number. To her surprise, she answered.

‘Hi, Claudia. How are you?’

‘I’ve just come out of my meeting. I needed to make sure the hardship fund was being progressed properly, you know how it is,’ she said, one businesswoman to another. ‘I was wondering if you wanted to meet up.’

‘Oh, was it the charity meeting today? Sorry I couldn’t make it, but I’m sure you didn’t need me there,’ Bryony chirped.

Claudia left a beat, waiting for Bryony to respond to her offer to catch up. Obviously, if Bryony had been too busy to make the meeting then she wouldn’t be available right now, but she could at least suggest a convenient date for their diaries. It wasn’t that Claudia was desperate for Bryony’s company, but still. ‘So do you fancy a get-together some time?’

‘A get-together?’ Bryony repeated.

‘Or a trip to the stables if you’d prefer some fresh air.’ It hadn’t gone unnoticed that Bryony’s offers of riding lessons had dried up lately.

‘Yes, darling, a horse ride would be lovely, but can I get back to you?’