‘Are you cold? Do you want to sit nearer the stove?’

She shook her head. He pulled up the chair opposite her. ‘Actually, I lied about the Mars bars. It was the only way I could think of to lure you into my home. I’ve got chocolate digestives …’

‘Just coffee is lovely.’ Maddy’s throat had constricted again. ‘Er, are you settling in OK?’

‘Fine. I’ve got most of my staff over from Jersey and recruited one or two local lads. A nice lady from Wantage – Holly – is starting as my secretary next week.’

They sat in silence for a few minutes. She knew he was looking at her so she studied the whorls and knots on the table’s surface.

‘Maddy …’

‘Have you sold your house in Jersey?’

‘No. Maddy …’

‘So, is that where Caroline is living while she runs her business?’

‘No. Maddy, listen …’

‘Oh, so you’ve got two houses, have you? And now Peapods? Goodness, how –’

‘Maddy!’ This time it was a roar. Drew leaned across the table and grabbed her shoulders. His dark hair had dried feathered across his forehead. ‘Maddy, for God’s sake shut up about my horses and Caroline! I want to talk to you.’

‘We are talking.’ She didn’t even try to pull away from him.

‘After a fashion. But not how we used to. You’ve been avoiding me, and now you’re ducking and diving and asking questions that make you sound more like Bronwyn Pugh. Look at me.’

Maddy looked. And her heart turned over. She couldn’t disguise the longing in her eyes. Drew relaxed his grip and sat back in his chair. ‘That’s better. I think we ought to get a few things clear.’

‘Set the ground rules?’ She sipped her coffee. ‘Good. You’re married, I’m friendly with your wife. I let myself get carried away a couple of times – a situation that won’t be repeated. We’re neighbours, and friends, and business colleagues because of Shadows. It all seems pretty clear. Was there anything you wanted to add?’

Drew looked at her steadily. There was a hopelessness in the shrug of his shoulders. ‘Is that really how you feel?’

‘Yes.’

‘Fine, then.’ Drew pushed his chair back so that the legs screeched across the newly exposed flags. ‘Bring your coffee. We’ll do a tour of inspection. I assume that you’ll be taking over the cleaning now that you know I’m not going to leap on you?’

Maddy stood up miserably and followed him out of the kitchen. She wanted him to leap on her very much indeed.

The rest of Peapods was equally glorious. The furnishings were old and well loved, the drapes hung in pale profusion, the paintings were originals. The whole house looked like a comfortable family home. It was sad that it housed this one solitary man, Maddy thought, when it should ring with laughter.

‘So?’ They’d finished the tour in the sitting room. Drew sat on the edge of a worn dark green sofa. ‘Do you still consider your rate for the job adequate? I know Caroline was happy with it, but if you think you under-quoted …’