‘No hurry at all,’ said Marcia as I moved the last of my cases into what had been Freya’s room on the top floor. It was a sweet room, painted dove grey, with a skylight window on the sloped roof, a single bed and Victorian wardrobe and chest of drawers. ‘You make yourself at home and stay for as long as you like. Pete and I are totally behind the idea that you tread water for a while before making any major decisions, and we love that you’re going to be with us for a while.’

I gave her a hug. ‘Thanks, Marcia. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.’

‘These are for you,’ she said, and gave me a set of house keys. ‘I’ll leave you to settle in. Will you be around for lunch? There will be plenty.’

Marcia always did a roast enough for four even though Ben and Ruby were away. Sundays always followed the same pattern at their house: a large English breakfast, reading the papers or a walk on the Heath, then a big traditional lunch around four, and a movie afterwards with a bottle of good red wine.

‘Tempting but I want to get on with my new project,’ I said.

‘Are you going to tell me any more about it?’

I shook my head. I didn’t even want to talk about the mosaic idea too much in case I jinxed it. ‘Early days, but I haven’t felt this inspired in a long time. When there’s something to show, you’ll be the first, I promise.’

‘Can’t wait,’ she said as she went to the door.

After she’d gone, I sat on the bed and took a deep breath. It had all happened so fast. The sale, the move, my old life gone in trucks and boxes, a new life beckoning when I’d decided what, where and when. I got up and emptied the cases I’d brought with me. It didn’t take long. I’d brought a few clothes, books, toiletries and essentials to see me through a few weeks. If I needed more stuff, I could always go to the lock-up.

As I was unpacking the last bag, my mobile rang and I glanced down to see that it was Michael. I clicked on answer.

‘Hey Bea,’ he said. ‘Where are you? I called round to your house to find you’d gone.’

‘I know. It was a quick sale. I’ve just moved in to Pete and Marcia’s temporarily until I decide where I want to be. And you? Are you back in London?’

‘I am, in fact, that’s why I was calling. My niece’s wedding is on Saturday and I wondered if you’d come along as my plus one.’

‘Won’t they mind? I imagine they’ve already done the guest list and seating plan.’