‘Caught you!’

Madi felt herself stiffen, her heart rate shooting up in fear. If she hadn’t realised almost immediately that it was Tom’s voice behind her she would quite likely have jumped right out of her skin, and probably grabbed the nearest of the potion bottles as a weapon to defend herself. He had obviously come through the gate between the gardens while her attention was otherwise engaged and was now standing in the doorway.

‘Oh, sorry!’ Madi took a deep breath and turned round, allowing herself a moment for the panic to subside. ‘I know I shouldn’t be nosing around, but I only wanted a quick peek. You won’t tell Prue, will you?’

‘Depends. Have you stolen anything? Broken anything?’

‘Of course not.’

‘Nothing to tell then, is there? Come on, lock up and let’s get out of here. The cobwebby look really doesn’t suit you.’ He lifted a hand and eased a strand of something brown and sticky out of her hair. ‘And I have other plans for you today, assuming you’re free?’

‘And what might they be?’

‘I thought a trip into Norwich. I have to go to see my optician, and I could do with the company and perhaps we could do a spot of shopping and lunch, if you’re up for it. You worry me, the way you stay in so much. If you won’t fling yourself into the sea or fly to Egypt, then at least have a day away from Shelling. It may be home, and I love it dearly, but it can be a bit stifling after a while.’

‘Well, okay, but only if we take my car. It’s been sitting outside so long I worry it might not start if I abandon it any longer. And if you’re having eyesight problems, I’d feel safer if I drive!’

‘Fair enough. You’re the boss.’

‘Am I?’

‘It’s what I always used to say to Barb to keep her happy. Let her believe she was the one making all the decisions, the one in the driving seat.’ He laughed. ‘Which you actually will be, on this occasion!’

‘When were you thinking of setting off?’

‘Half an hour suit you? Long enough to get changed, and to put on your face or whatever it is you ladies do.’

‘This face is the only one I’ve got, unfortunately.’ Madi could see Tom was about to say something, but quickly put up her hand to stop him. ‘Don’t you go contradicting me. All that soppy flattery’s the last thing I need. Let’s call a spade a spade. I am what I am. Over sixty, and not looking my best just now.’

‘I was only going to say that lunch is on me.’

‘That’s all right then. I’m sorry.’ She pulled the shed door shut and turned the key in the padlock, keeping her back to him while she swallowed back her embarrassment at misreading things again. ‘And thank you. That would be lovely.’

Madi enjoyed the drive. She hadn’t been behind the wheel since she’d arrived and the weather was picking up nicely, the sun throwing shadows onto the lanes as the overhanging bushes brushed against the roof of the car.