Yvonne opened her mouth to speak, but he closed the door before she had the chance, and he felt guilty when he peeped out at her and saw the expression of concern on her face. Relieved when she turned and headed over to her car, he went back to the kitchen.

‘It was only a neighbour,’ he told Irena. ‘I said I wasn’t feeling well, so she’s gone now.’

Almost as soon as the words had left his mouth, the letterbox rattled, and Irena cried out in alarm when she looked round and saw a pair of eyes peering at her.

Annoyed, Frank marched back out into the hall and yanked the door open.

‘What the bloody hell are you playing at, Yvonne?’

Visibly flustered, the old lady took a step back.

‘I wasn’t being nosy, pet, I was worried about you. But I didn’t realize you had company.’

‘It’s my niece. She’s come to stay for a few days.’

‘Oh . . . I didn’t know you had a niece. I don’t remember seeing her at Mo’s funeral.’

‘She couldn’t make it,’ Frank said, tempering his tone, because he knew he’d overreacted. ‘Anyway, sorry for shouting, but you gave me a shock.’

‘Oh, goodness, what was I thinking?’ Yvonne clapped her hand over her mouth. ‘I completely forgot about your heart. I hope I haven’t done any damage? Do you want me to call the doctor out to check you over?’

‘No, there’s no need for that,’ Frank insisted. ‘But do me a favour, and stick to ringing the bell in future, eh?’

‘Absolutely,’ Yvonne agreed. Then, lowering her voice, she said, ‘That’s a nasty bruise on your niece’s face. Has she had an accident?’

Struggling to keep from snapping at her again, because this was none of her business and he didn’t appreciate being forced to explain himself, Frank said, ‘Yes, and that’s why she’s here. For some peace and quiet,’ he added pointedly.

‘Oh, that’s good,’ Yvonne said, missing the sarcasm. ‘There’s nothing like a bit of fresh country air to heal wounds and soothe the soul. But if you’re both not well, I can always—’

‘Yvonne, we’ll be fine,’ Frank interrupted. ‘And I really need to close the door before this cold air gets on my chest.’

‘Go on, then, get yourself inside,’ she said. ‘I’ll see myself out.’ Then, realizing what she’d said, she chuckled. ‘Oops! Silly me, I’m already out, aren’t I?’

Frank gave a strained smile, then nodded goodbye and waved her off before closing the door.

Irena was pacing the floor, but she abruptly stopped when he came back to the kitchen.

‘What happen?’

‘I told her you’re my niece, and you’re staying a few days while you recover from an accident.’

‘Did she believe?’

‘I think so.’

‘And she will not tell anybody I am here?’