Ah! Light dawned on Pip. He thought she was a gold-digger. That was rich. She was the only person in decades to pay any attention to Evelyn, and he immediately suspected her motives. Whatever happened to community spirit? His attitude was particularly disappointing in this small town where everybody looked out for everyone else, because she was beginning to see things in those terms now. What she had previously considered the nosiness of those around her she now understood to be a healthy concern.

‘Oh, I get it,’ she said slowly. ‘You’re worried in case I’m trying to get Evelyn to change her will.’ She laughed at how ludicrous that was. ‘Are you worried I might get you disinherited?’

Nicholas spluttered out an answer. ‘No. Of course not. That isn’t it at all,’ he said, although from his demeanour it was obvious she had hit the nail on the head. ‘I’m just concerned for my aunt,’ he added.

‘Yes, I can see that,’ Pip replied pointedly. ‘You leave her in that big house, drowning in dust and cornflakes. You throw away her things without asking and the first time anyone shows any interest in her for years, you try to warn them off. It’s very clear just how much you care for her.’

It was harsh, Pip knew, but it seemed that her cross-examination muscles were still strong, and she was enjoying flexing them. Plus, it was fun to watch him squirming on the hook. The almost-forgotten feeling of having a witness exactly where she wanted him rose up and she welcomed it like a long-lost friend.

‘You have no right . . .’ he began, but Pip put up a hand to silence him.

‘Listen, Nicholas,’ she said more gently. ‘You honestly have no need to worry. I went to the house to return the diary. Evelyn and I got chatting and discovered that we have more in common than you might think. It’s as simple as that. I have no need of your aunt’s money, and I would much rather have her alive and available to talk to than otherwise. So please, rest assured that all is well. There’s no Machiavellian plot afoot here.’

He looked first cross, and then relieved. When he spoke again his voice was much softer, confirming her suspicion that he had built himself up to come and have it out with her.

‘You do understand my position, though,’ he said.

Pip nodded and gave him a little half-smile by way of peace offering, which he returned. ‘I’m not sure I do,’ she said, ‘but it’s fine. You can rest assured I’m not trying to steal any inheritance out from under your nose.’

‘Well, it’s good to hear that,’ he said, immediately showing her all his cards.