‘Of course.’ They had reached the shop already and Madi wanted to avoid going in. If she did, she knew Patty would keep her talking for ages, and she wasn’t really in the mood. ‘We had an agreement and I have no intention of breaking it. If you want to go back, then go. I might even be able to get you a free ticket to a show somewhere. Let me try pulling a few strings and I’ll let you know. And, as for staying in Shelling, I’m sure I can amuse myself for a while longer, especially now the weather’s picking up.’

‘It’s not that far to the beach, you know,’ Prue said, one hand on the shop door. ‘And it won’t be crowded this time of the year. Have you been?’

‘No, I haven’t. I kept meaning to, but I’ve been lazy, not been out and about much at all. I still need my rest …’

‘Of course you do. I’m sorry. You just seem so lively, so … well, normal, I suppose … that it’s easy to forget you’ve been so ill. Seawater’s good for you though. Even if you only have a paddle.’

‘I might just do that. And, if I don’t see you again before you go, I just wanted to say thank you. This swap has been wonderful, and I would happily do it again. Shelling is a lovely place, full of lovely people.’ She reached forward and pulled Prue into a hug. ‘Maybe it could become an annual event? A holiday home away from home. Good for both of us.’

‘That’s not a bad idea, but I’m not sure where I’ll be this time next year.’

‘Oh?’ Madi looked at her curiously but Prue did not elaborate.

‘I’d love to keep in touch though. And thank you too, Madi. Your flat is gorgeous. Like a top class hotel! And the residents of Belle Vue are …’

‘Unique?’

‘I was going to say interesting, but yes, unique pretty much sums them up! Bye, Madi. Have a safe journey home next week. We’ll probably pass each other somewhere in the middle!’

‘You too, dear.’

Madi strolled back to Snowdrop Cottage and made herself a cup of tea. Her disturbed sleep last night had left her feeling tired and the fire had unsettled her. As she and Tom had been the last to use the hall, it was impossible not to feel … guilty was too strong a word, but certainly concerned. Was it something they had done? Something they hadn’t spotted but should have? All those young people in their care, and the ending could so easily have been far more tragic. It didn’t bear thinking about. And why was young Donny still hanging about the village after the others had all gone home? She shook away her silly suspicions. Donny, more than anybody, wanted the show to succeed, and the hall was a vital part of that. And if he hadn’t been out so late, there might not have been anyone to raise the alarm.