It isn’t George’s fault. He has spoken in innocence. Being comparatively new to the village, he knows where Lily lives but not about her personal connection to the Old Vicarage. Her connection to Gerald. But Carol knows. Her cheeks blaze like ripened tomatoes and the daughter-in-law looks down at her feet, making Lily wonder just what Carol has told her.

Time stands still. Lily wants nothing more than to turn and leave, but if she does it gives them permission to go on, to talk about it even more. “I . . . I don’t know . . .” she manages, and it’s true, she realizes. She doesn’t know.

I know what you did.

The bell announces a new arrival, and the spell is broken. George’s voice cuts across the shop loudly: “Oi, soft, lad! Watch what you’re doing.” He moves along to aid Barry in a particularly tricky bit of butchery. Mrs. Mink turns back to check on the progress of her order. Carol and the daughter-in-law pick up where they left off, but in much-hushed tones.

Lily’s feet come back to life. She turns to flee but walks straight into the newly arrived customer. She mumbles an apology and tries to get by, but the man puts a hand on her arm.

“Miss Bainbridge, I’m glad I’ve caught you.” Reverend Thorogood squeezes her arm a little. “I wondered if you’ve decided about the Whitby trip on Saturday. Only there’s just a few places left, and I know how much everyone would love to see the two of you.”

A breeze reaches Lily through the half-open doorway, cooling her burning cheeks. She takes a step forward . . . to fetch Edna her pills from the bag she’s left by the front door. She hurries through the passageways of the Old Vicarage, but by the time she gets back to the kitchen Edna has been joined by Carol. She hears them sniping at each other before she’s even back in the room.

“There’s no biscuits again,” Carol is saying. “You want to have a word with that lad.”

Edna ignores her. Lily hands over the pills, and Edna takes two of the yellow ones.

“Don’t suppose you know if he wants me to cook this weekend?” Carol addresses Lily, just as she always does if given the chance.

And Edna answers, just as she always does. “Mr. Cartwright’s entertaining this weekend”—emphasizing the title—“so he’ll be using the caterers. Not you.”

Carol rolls her eyes and tuts loudly. She heads back to the kitchen and Lily laughs nervously, relieved the encounter hasn’t escalated.

“What’s the matter with you?” Edna is always snippy after dealing with Carol.

“Nothing.”

She’ll want tea after taking her tablets, so Lily goes to switch the kettle on . . . and the Reverend Thorogood is shaking her and calling her name.

“Miss Bainbridge? Lily? Can you hear me?”