The two men worked solidly, but it took till mid-morning to pack everything into the garishly painted removal van.

As the last things were stowed away, Elise stood watching, not feeling in the least sad but definitely feeling tired.

The older man came round to stand beside her. ‘You look weary.’

‘I am. Anno Domini, I’m afraid. Still, I can take it easy on the journey. I never was a fast driver anyway, and I don’t suppose you’ll be speeding.’

‘If you like, I could drive you there and my assistant will drive the furniture van. I’m a safe driver and I’m fully insured to drive other people’s vehicles. Have to be, in my line of business.’

She’d taken a liking to him and trusted him instinctively. ‘Would you mind?’

‘Not at all. This means he and I won’t quarrel about what music to play. Besides, I live to serve.’ He took off his cap and flourished it in a mock bow.

She laughed, held out her hand and they shook on the bargain.

After locking the front door, she left the house keys in the estate agent’s special security box on the side wall of the house and got into the car. It was all falling into place as if it was meant to be.

She sighed happily. Life didn’t stop at seventy – and she hoped it wouldn’t stop at eighty, either. She was so enjoying her painting.

They stopped once, early in their journey, to buy lunch, which Elise insisted on paying for. It was the least she could do when they’d been so obliging. Not many people would have realised she was still finding the thought of long drives rather challenging, let alone volunteered to drive her there.

When they got there Phil whistled softly. ‘I can see why you want to move here. There’s something about that row of houses. They have a welcoming air.’

‘I feel like that too.’ She studied Number 3 with a proprietary air. There were still men working on the houses beyond hers, but Number 3 looked ready for an occupant. She’d buy a couple of pots of flowers for either side of the front door.

Nell came out of the house and waved. ‘Welcome to your new home, Elise! Anything I can do to help?’

‘Thank you, but no. Phil and his mate have been wonderful, and I’ve worked out exactly where all the furniture will go. I shall simply sit on a chair and direct traffic.’

‘Here are the keys, then, front and back doors, two of each. I hope you’ll be very happy here.’

When Elise went inside she found a vase of flowers on the kitchen windowsill and a cheerful greeting card saying ‘Welcome to your new home.’

She felt delighted to be here and with Phil having done the driving, she still had enough energy to finish today’s removal. She spun round in a slow circle out of sheer joy.

Then the two men came clumping inside carrying her dining table. ‘Where to, Elise?’ Phil called cheerfully.