“Two quite big ones,” Andee replied. “And there are more either side of these main wings—you see the smaller windows? I’m guessing the old coach master lived at one end and probably other staff were housed at the opposite end. More recently they’ve been converted into bedrooms, but they can be anything you want them to be.”

Rain was running down Claudia’s face as she shook her head in wonder, taking in the sheer elegance of the place in its secluded setting of old trees and ragged bushes. “I don’t have to go inside or around the back to know that this is perfect for us,” she declared.

Andee quickly took out her phone. “I should have done this before,” she muttered. “I need to check with Graeme that it’s still available.”

Claudia stiffened with horror. It hadn’t occurred to her that it might not be, but moments later Andee was smiling again as she gave the thumbs-up and Claudia unraveled with relief.

“I expect you’d like to know the price?” Andee suggested as she rang off.

Claudia was ready to pay anything.

“They want five hundred and fifty thousand, but I reckon you could probably get it for five. And being realistic, you’ll probably need about the same to fix it up.”

“It’s not a problem,” Claudia assured her. “We can make an offer right away, although I probably ought to let my mother and daughter see it first.”

Clearly delighted, Andee said, “Let me know when they can make it and we’ll come again with the keys.”

As they returned to their cars Claudia said, rashly, “We’re thinking of having a little celebration later, to mark my first commission since arriving here—I mean, if I get it . . .”

“You’ve got it . . .”

“. . . So I was wondering if you might like to join us?”

Andee’s eyes lit up. “I’d love to,” she said warmly. “Just tell me where and when.”

Surprised and thrilled, Claudia said, “Does seven work for you? We’re in an apartment at the station end of the Promenade. I’ll text the address. I thought I’d ask Leanne if she can make it too. After all, it’s thanks to her that this has come about.”

“I’m sure she’d love to come if she’s free.”

After thanking Andee again, Claudia got into her car, but didn’t immediately drive away. She wanted to look at the house a while longer and continue to feel the sense of connection that had come over her the minute she’d laid eyes on it. She couldn’t remember the last time anything had felt so right in her life, and because the draw was so powerful she wanted to hold on to it for as long as she could.