‘I’m assuming it was insured, so it will be rebuilt eventually, but these things take time, don’t they? And you can bet the Council will argue over plans and try to make the replacement all modern and cover it in solar panels or fill it with all this wi-fi nonsense. And, while we’re waiting, people are being deprived of their books. I wonder if we could put out an appeal? You know, asking for donations. Everyone’s got books tucked away that they’re never going to read again. The big library in town might even have some they don’t need any more. I bet they throw them away when they get a bit bent or no one’s borrowed them in a while, and that will never do. I’ll ring them. Right now. And we’ll need somewhere to store them, of course, somewhere people can come to browse. Ah, my dad’s old darkroom! That never gets used these days. I’ll ask Prue. I’m sure she won’t mind …’

Madi smiled to herself as Faith bustled away in the direction of Orchard House. No doubt she would have roped Patty into her schemes before the day was out. If you want something done, ask a busy person, that’s what they say, and when it came to those two, Madi knew the old saying was spot-on. If a problem needed solving, they were the ones to get on with the job. She had no doubt the hall and all its activities would be back up and running as soon as was humanly possible, and probably better than ever.

She watched Faith stop as she bumped into her daughter further along the street, a few words passing between them before they parted ways and Prue came ambling towards her.

‘Ah, Prue, I was just on my way to see you.’

‘Morning, Madi.’ Prue stopped and gazed at the hall. ‘Terrible, isn’t it? Have they any idea how it started?’

‘Not that I’ve heard, but I expect Tom will be the first to find out. The dear man feels awful about it. I saw him first thing, on his way to visit his wife, but we’ve agreed to meet up this afternoon. I’ll let you know if I hear anything. Now, there was something I wanted to talk to you about.’

‘Okay. Walk with me if you like. I was just on my way to the shop for bread, and then I’m going to see Flo. Ralph says she might be able to come home later today.’

‘Home, already? Oh, Prue, I’m so glad, but she’ll need the familiarity of her own place, won’t she? It really is time I went, so you and Flo can have your cottage back. That’s what I wanted to ask you actually. About a date to swap back.’

‘But that’s all set for next Wednesday, isn’t it? Flo will be fine at my mum’s. It’s always been like a home from home for her, and Mum will make a huge fuss of her. Now I don’t have to worry about her, I was hoping to catch a train back this evening, so I can make the most of my last few days in London. I never did get to an art gallery, and there are a couple of other places I’d like to go and check out while I have the chance. I’d really like to see if there’s been any progress with the plans for the garden and say a proper goodbye to Aaron too. Is that all right with you?’