Back home, Laura decided to find out about the car before going back to her pile of manuscripts. Talking to Fenella was always cheering and there was some festival stuff they needed to talk about as well.

When they’d updated each other on who had confirmed and whom they’d need to chase, again, Laura said, ‘Is Rupert there? Grant from work has suggested I buy his car. I borrowed it the first time I came to Somerby. Rupert said he’d help me get one and I want to ask his advice.’

‘Well, I can’t remember it, but I have no memory for cars. I’ll put you on to Rupes.’

‘Hi, Laura.’ Rupert’s deep voice sounded curious. ‘What’s all this about a car?’

Laura gave him the details. ‘And he’s anal about getting it serviced and things, so I think it should be all right,’ she added, after they’d discussed it for a while. ‘I just needed a second opinion really.’

‘And you don’t want me to come over and check it out for you?’ Rupert said eventually.

‘I really don’t think it’s necessary. I’ve driven it and I really like it.’

‘Then it sounds just the job, and five hundred seems a good price. Go for it!’

‘Brilliant, Rupert, thank you so much. Now all I need to do is get a laptop.’ She spoke lightheartedly enough but she realised she was about to spend her entire fee for the festival on a car. Would a laptop take all her redundancy money? Suddenly Dermot and his writing course seemed like a life-saver.

‘Would it have to be a new one?’ asked Rupert.

‘Oh no, I don’t think so. I only really need something to write letters on and do emails.’

‘They’re not terribly expensive new, but don’t buy anything without telling me. I may be able to get you one second-hand.’

‘Oh Rupert! You are a star.’

‘That’s what they tell me,’ he said with a laugh, and then rang off.

Having sorted out the issue of the car, she decided to call Monica. Today was turning into a catching up with friends day, after all. Monica was delighted to hear from Laura. ‘I have such a lot to tell you! Yes, do let’s go out, and any friend of yours can certainly come. As long as we get a chance to exchange girly chats.’

‘Grant’s good at girly chats,’ said Laura, suddenly aware she didn’t want Grant knowing too much about what had gone on in Ireland: it was still too raw. She wasn’t fully aware of how she felt about it all herself. It was bad enough that Monica knew, she didn’t want anyone else picking over the bones just yet. ‘So when’s good for you?’