Angus resolved to check that Grantby really had left Dorling and Cavendish, then reluctantly showed them inside Number 1. Thompson and the lawyer followed, saying nothing.

He didn’t open the secret door and was surprised when Grantby didn’t even think of asking to see the rest of the attic. Indeed, the fellow seemed to be giving the house a very cursory examination.

‘Needs a lot of work. Hardly worth it,’ was all he said.

When they came out, Hobkins would have walked straight into Number 2, but Nell moved to bar the way.

‘We’ll need to knock. This house and Number 3 are occupied.’

‘What?’ Hobkins glared at them. ‘You haven’t been given permission to rent them out.’

‘He doesn’t need it,’ the lawyer said quietly. ‘These are not council houses.’

‘He surely told you that we considered them unsafe?’

‘He has a structural engineer’s advice that they are perfectly safe, and Mr Thompson is here to give a second opinion on that.’

Angus noticed Grantby shoot the lawyer a quick frown at that, so added pointedly, ‘I shall have two expert opinions on my side after today and that should settle the matter.’

‘You’re assuming a lot,’ Hobkins snapped.

Grantby’s frown deepened but he didn’t comment.

The front door opened and Stacy stood there. ‘I couldn’t help overhearing what you were saying because the window is open. I can’t see how these houses could possibly be unsafe. They’re in better condition than any of the rentals I’ve lived in recently.’

‘That’s none of your business, madam, and faults don’t always show to amateurs,’ Hobkins snapped. ‘We need to come inside to check the structural safety, so kindly move out of the way.’

She didn’t budge, looking questioningly at Angus.

‘We have to show them round, but if this time is inconvenient, we can come back later.’

Hobkins opened his mouth and Nell said savagely, ‘Be quiet please, Mr Hobkins. We prefer to deal politely with our tenants, and with everyone else we encounter.’

The lawyer had opened his mouth to speak, but with a faint smile he shut it again.

Stacy’s eyes danced as Hobkins turned dark red and glared at them. She addressed Nell. ‘It’s in a mess, I’m afraid, because I’ve not finished unpacking yet, so be careful where you tread.’

‘I’ll show them round, if that’s all right.’ Angus turned to see that Thompson had already moved across to the hall table where the little animal was standing on a small table.

‘That’s an attractive ornament. Is it one of yours?’

‘Yes.’

‘I must bring my wife. She loves things like that.’

‘Will you please stop delaying this?’ Hobkins said loudly. ‘I have work to get through today, even if you don’t.’

He said nothing further as they went round the house and Grantby measured or took photos on his phone.

Angus got out his own phone and took shots of whatever Grantby photographed, which had Hobkins glaring at him even more viciously.

Thompson smiled slightly as he watched them. He already had his phone out but was taking his own photos, not copying the others’ choices.