‘Not quite. I was in Bristol, having yet another interview, and I thought I’d catch up with you on the way home.’

Thea wasn’t good at geography, but she was fairly sure that there were more direct ways back to London from Bristol than going via Stroud. He was probably planning to visit Molly, too. ‘Where’s Toby?’

‘Staying with a friend. The friend he would usually have stayed with when I had to leave him with Molly.’

‘Oh.’

‘Thank you for looking after him that time. I heard all about you making pizzas and chocolate cake.’

‘We had fun together. I really like Toby.’

A shadow of something, which might have been sadness or anger, flitted across his features.

Thea despaired. There was no pleasing the man. She couldn’t even say she liked his son without some invisible code being violated. ‘We’d better get on with this floor, then,’ she said. ‘I’ll get started clearing up the paint. There are more rollers and things downstairs. Although you don’t have to help if you don’t want to. I’ll manage.’

His eyebrow, raised infinitesimally, expressed his doubt. ‘You said I could help – when I said I couldn’t let you be without what little I can do.’

Thea looked away. She didn’t want to think about that conversation, ever.

‘And right at the beginning you were very clear about help including painting and decorating. You can’t reject my offer now.’

She forced a laugh, ignoring the offer he had rejected. They would spend the rest of the evening and all night being offended and giving offence if they weren’t careful ‘Let’s get to it then. By the way…’

It was too late. Before she could warn him, he had gone downstairs and she heard by his exclamations that he had met Lara and her puppies. Judging by the noises, Lara was very pleased to see him.

He came up a few minutes later carrying a roller and a couple of brushes. ‘What the hell is Lara doing there?’

‘Rory left them with me. He’s gone to London, to catch up on family, he said.’ She frowned slightly, still worried about it.

Ben looked intently at her. ‘Bloody inconsiderate, seeing how hard you’re working to get a good space for him.’ He frowned. ‘Molly told me you’re thinking about what to show after Rory. It’ll be nearly time for the degree shows. You should scour the colleges for promising young talent. Have a graduate show.’