‘Oh, don’t mind Noodle,’ Faith said, stepping over him and hurriedly pulling off her apron as she reached for the kettle. ‘That’s his favourite place. And he’s had a tiring day, chasing rabbits! Not that he ever catches any. Now, shall we sit in here or would you prefer to get more comfy in the parlour?’

‘Here’s fine. No need to stand on ceremony with us, Faith. It’s not as if I haven’t been in this kitchen many times before.’

‘Ah, but Madi hasn’t, Tom. Now, let me pour you some tea, and then maybe Madi would like a little tour of the house? It’s quite old. And quite grand once, in its day. They say the fireplace is original Victorian.’

‘I’d like that.’

‘So, where’s Stuart? Still at work?’ Tom took the mug he was offered and wrapped his hands around it, blowing across the top of his tea to cool it.

‘Out delivering a litter of puppies up at Bradwell Farm. They’ll be looking for homes for them, I shouldn’t wonder. Fancy a puppy, Madi? A bit of company for you in London?’

Madi laughed. ‘I don’t think a puppy would really be suited to a top-floor flat. And I’m not at home enough to take on any sort of pet, I’m afraid. I’d struggle, even with keeping a goldfish fed and watered!’

‘Ah, but you’ve been doing so well with little Flo. Ralph says you’re a natural. How is she, by the way?’

‘Better. More or less back to her old self, I’d say. And quite happily curled up on the bed when I left earlier.’

‘That’s good. I’m sure our Prue will be grateful. How is she, by the way? Have you heard anything from her? She’s living in your flat, I understand?’

‘Yes, she is, but we don’t stay in touch. It was purely a business arrangement. A swap that suited us both, that’s all. And one that, sadly, will be over all too soon. I’ve loved being here in Shelling. It’s been exactly what I needed, and I hope that London has proved to be what Prue needed too.’

Madi could see Faith bristle. ‘She has a perfectly good life here …’

‘Oh, I’m sure she does, but some time away never does any harm, does it? Helps put things into perspective, show us what’s important.’

‘I suppose so.’ Faith turned her back and opened a cupboard, pulled out a large tin and opened that as well. ‘Now … I do believe I promised you cake, and as luck would have it, I made one only this morning. A nice big slice for you, Tom?’

‘You know me so well.’

‘I should do, after all these years. And Madi … can I tempt you too?’

‘It looks lovely, Faith. Yes, please.’

Madi looked up at the sound of footsteps crunching across the gravel outside the window.

‘Oh, that’ll be Joe,’ Faith said, lowering her voice. ‘Home from work. He rents our extension flat at the back there. To be honest, it’s put me in a bit of a quandary, this business between him and Prue. I mean, if they’re no longer an item, it could get a bit difficult, couldn’t it? Having him living right here on our doorstep. I was wondering if maybe we should ask him to leave?’