Sophie sighed. ‘Then I suppose we had better hope like mad that Luke is right about his bat. That way we could legitimately ask the company to put up a barricade, a lockable steel gate. Nobody could use the cave then.’

‘It wouldn’t necessarily stop the poachers. They’d just find another spot to stash their catches.’

‘When did you get to be so damned logical?’ Sophie demanded. ‘Of course you’re right. On another subject, Elaine rang for you today. I told her to try again tonight. It’s all arranged – she’s putting your stepfather into respite care for ten days and flying up. Said that, in the long run, bussing it would cost as much as the flight itself, what with the ticket, meals and accommodation. She sounded quite excited about coming.’

‘That’s wonderful! It’ll be the first break she’s had since—’ Since Francie’s death, Tilly thought. If you could call her mother’s brief rush to her daughter’s side a break. She thrust the thought determinedly aside. ‘Thanks, Soph, I’m sure your words clinched the deal. She was trotting out all the reasons she couldn’t come when I spoke to her.’

‘She just needed a gentle push,’ Sophie said, adding unexpectedly, ‘She carries a lot of guilt, your mum – about her marriage. Feels she owes a debt, you know. Which makes me think that maybe it hasn’t been as smooth a sailing as she makes out. I always wondered if she really loved your stepfather. I mean, it’s not like it’d be easy, a misanthrope like him.’

Tilly looked struck. ‘Really? I thought they were okay, that I was the problem.’

Sophie shrugged. ‘The onlooker sees most of the game, you know. I suppose she did what she thought best at the time, as we all do. Now, I really have to finish this report if it’s to catch the mail tomorrow.’

‘I’ll say goodnight, then,’ Tilly said and left.

Chapter Twenty-four

The following day it was Matt’s turn again in the kitchen. Tilly, taking a look at the hard fried eggs congealing on a plate on the stove, opted for cereal and toast instead. Luke and Jane were already at the table, sitting close together. Jane’s eyes looked a little pink, and Luke’s habitual cheerfulness was absent.

Tilly suspected that they had spent the night together, perhaps not for the first time, which would only make the coming separation harder. She said kindly, ‘I’ll do the camp this morning, Luke. And I’m going to miss you like crazy, Jane. It’s been fun having you around.’

‘I’ve loved being here.’ Jane smiled below woebegone eyes. ‘Thank you all for having me. I’m going to miss it all so much.’