“No, darling, it’s definitely the clothes. Who’s the new woman, then?”

“Cheeky sod! There’s no new woman, more’s the pity. I went out and bought this all by myself. At least six months ago, too. So there, Miss Callaghan.”

Paddy grinned. “All right, all right. I’ll take your word for it. Now, come along. I’m parked outside. I’ve got to pick up a couple of things from the town library, then we can shoot back to the school itself and have a quick coffee to wipe away the strain of the train.”

In the station car park, they climbed into Paddy’s battered Land Rover. “Not exactly in its prime, but it’s practical up here,” she apologized. “Highest market town in England, this is. When the snow gets bad, I’m the only member of staff who can make a bid for freedom to the local pub. You still got that flashy passion wagon of yours?”

Lindsay scowled. “If you mean my MG, yes I have.”

“Dear, oh dear. Still trying to impress with that retarded status symbol?”

“I don’t drive it to impress anyone. I know it’s the sort of car that provokes really negative reactions from the 2CV brigade, but I happen to enjoy it.”

Paddy laughed, “Sorry. I didn’t know it was such a sore spot.”

“Let’s just say that I’ve been getting a bit of stick about it lately from one or two people who should know better. I’m seriously thinking about selling it just for a bit of peace and quiet from the purists who think you can only be right-on in certain cars. But I think I’d miss it too much. I can’t afford to buy a new sports car. I spend a lot of time in transit and I think I’ve got a right to be in a car that performs well, is comfortable, and doesn’t get like an oven in the summer. Plus it provokes interesting reactions from people. It’s a good shorthand way of finding out about attitudes.”

“Okay, okay. I’m on your side,” Paddy protested.

“I know it’s flash and pretentious,” Lindsay persisted. “But then there’s a bit of that in me anyway. So you could argue that I’m doing women a favor by forewarning them.”

Paddy pulled up in a Georgian crescent of imposing buildings. “You are sensitive about it, aren’t you? Well, if it’s any consolation, I’ve never thought you were flash. A little over the top sometimes, perhaps . . .”

Lindsay changed the subject abruptly. “What’s this, then,” she demanded, waving an arm at the buildings.