I could tell them, Hannah thought idly, remembering last week’s conversation with Carola and Gabe about the old stable yard Simeon Carlysle had converted into cute country retail units. Retail start-ups were not new to her. She turned and stared at the men. She could tell them. She cleared her throat. ‘Sorry to butt in but I used to help manage Creative Lanes in Bettsbrough and I ran a shop in Sweden,’ she ventured. ‘I might be able to help your friends if they need a project manager to get their shops trading. But I’m looking after my grandmother so wouldn’t be able to do nine to five.’

Ratty looked at her with interest. ‘No idea, to be honest. Would you like an intro?’

Hannah nodded. ‘Yes, please.’ She was ready to give him her email address but he whipped out his phone and in moments was saying into it, ‘I’m at the pub and there’s someone here who thinks she could sort out Carlysle Courtyard for you. Used to run a similar project. Are you interested or shall I tell her you’re sorted?’

After a few moments, he handed the phone to Hannah. ‘Christopher Carlysle.’ He turned back to his own table as Deanna returned, bearing crisps and looking bemusedly from Hannah to Ratty.

Put on the spot, Hannah took the phone and introduced herself to a gruff-sounding man, repeating what she’d told Ratty and outlining her duties at Creative Lanes and her experience in starting up Hannah Anna Butik. ‘Ratty thought you might need someone to get your project off the ground,’ she ended, because ‘I overheard Ratty talking about your business in a pub and butted in’ probably wasn’t professional.

‘I’d love to think you’re an answer to a prayer, dear,’ said the gruff voice patronisingly, ‘but can we afford you? That’s the thing. This has cost us quite enough, frankly.’

Hannah bit back a sigh. Some people – like Albin – thought only they were entitled to make money. ‘I understand,’ she said coolly, knowing this guy Simeon wouldn’t have been working for nothing. ‘In-house management is your best option if there’s no budget.’

She was about to end the conversation and return Ratty’s phone when Christopher Carlysle muttered, ‘Hang on.’ The sound of muffled conversation followed.

Hannah waited while Deanna made ‘What’s going on?’ faces. Then a woman came on the line. ‘Hello, I’m Cassie Carlysle.’ She acted as if Hannah’s conversation with Christopher hadn’t happened. ‘Yes, we are looking for help in the final stages in opening Carlysle Courtyard – getting the shops spick and span for the tenants. Is that your thing?’ Her voice held a hopeful note.