‘The estate agent says to leave it on a while because even what appears to be the most safe and sound transaction can fall through at the last minute. People don’t get mortgages or they see other places they prefer. He said we should generate interest and be ready with a back-up list in case things go awry.’

‘Sensible man. So if the sale does go ahead, that will ease things up for you, won’t it?’

‘Financially it will, but we’ll see how the rest of the week goes.’

‘I’d say you’ve done the right thing, because I always thought this was dead time for selling houses, so to get an offer is good.’

‘That’s what I thought – that things only really picked up in the property market in spring – but apparently that’s exactly why I’ve had a good response. A lot of people are waiting for the better weather before marketing their places, so there’s not a lot on.’

‘Have your neighbours been in for a nose? No doubt they want to know what’s happening.’

‘Curiously no, and all’s quiet from Jon. I haven’t seen him for a few weeks either.’

‘He’s probably away.’

‘Yes, probably gone skiing with one of his many.’

‘Well, at least you won’t be bothered by him and his comings and goings any more when you move. And how’s it going with the shop?’

‘It’s been good there too. I’m almost tempted to get more merchandise because we’ve been selling out so fast.’

‘So everything will be OK then?’

‘If the house sale goes through, then yes. I can repay outstanding loans and – for the first time in years – be debt free.’

‘Are you tempted to look for another shop?’

‘Curiously, I’m not. I want to consolidate, and then who knows? Maybe I will begin again in a different location, but I’m not going to rush into anything.’

‘Good girl,’ said Marcia as we reached the traffic lights near the tube station. ‘Has there been much interest in anyone buying the building where the shop is?’

‘A few people interested but no one definite; in fact, there are a few premises standing empty now. I don’t think people can afford the rising rates and rents there, not just me. But for now, I can stay until it sells. Over the lights,’ I said as I checked my phone and then the street names. ‘Here, coming up, the street on the left, then we look for number thirty-three.’

Marcia turned the car into the side street and, as we drove along, I looked out for house numbers. There was a row of terraced houses, a medical centre, a school, a pub, a church on the left side and, on the right-hand side, a few houses: number three, five, seven, then a large block of flats.