‘Paintings?’ At least now she had space to store them, although how she’d get them across to the gallery in her little car she would have to find out.

‘Not paintings. I’m having those shipped. They should be here in a day or two. Puppies. And Lara. I need you to look after them for me.’

Rory moved to the back of the Land Rover. There was Lara and in front of her was a box of puppies. ‘Rory! They’re tiny! Although they have grown like mad. How old are they?’

‘Can’t you remember? You were there.’

It felt like several lifetimes ago. ‘They can’t be much more than a month old – possibly less.’ Her heart leapt as she saw that all six were there; the little runt had made it this far. ‘What are you doing dragging them all over the countryside? Bring them in before they get cold.’

Lara jumped down. She pattered down the road, then squatted and produced a wee the size of a garden pond.

Rory ignored this. ‘It’s May, you know, hardly the middle of winter.’ He picked up the box of puppies. ‘I’m off to London tomorrow. I’m hoping you’ll look after them for me.’

Little black and white faces appeared over the top of the box, looking plaintively at Thea, who was staring at Rory in confusion and horror. Then she shut her mouth and ushered the party inside. The street was no place for a custody battle. ‘Bring them down into the kitchen where at least we can talk.’

Lara went ahead and soon settled herself in front of the Rayburn which, because of the huge hot-water demands of the household, was kept going summer and winter. She grinned happily up at Thea, unaware of how unwelcome she was.

‘I’ll put the pups down here next to Lara.’

‘Rory, I can’t look after the puppies. I’ve just started work on the gallery. And anyway, they’re far too young to be moved.’

‘I know, but Susan’s gone away somewhere and there’s nowhere else I can leave them. I have to go to London. Sure, you wouldn’t have me let them starve to death?’

Thea pursed her lips as she poured him a glass of wine. ‘I don’t suppose I should give you this. I’d better make some coffee.’

He took the wine. ‘Ah, don’t be cross.’ He grinned maddeningly. ‘Although you do look lovely when you’re angry.’

‘Rory! Don’t you know saying that sort of thing is likely to get you something unpleasant and messy tipped over your head?’

‘I thought I might get away with it with you, Thea.’

Thea couldn’t be cross any longer. She was too tired. ‘Well, let’s get Lara fed. Then we can think what to do about the pups. Are they on solid food yet?’