‘Well, you’ve got me to help you now, so we’ll climb it together. I was getting bored. A new hobby is just what I need.’

She pretended to be indignant. ‘Are you calling me a hobby?’

‘Yes. Let me ring the old firm and tell my nephew to come here as a matter of urgency. He can sort out the power of attorney and we’ll get my neighbours in to witness the new document, if necessary. They changed the rules, so I’m not up to date, but Gordon will know the specifics.’

‘Will your nephew do that for me?’

He chuckled. ‘What, upset the chap who still owns a quarter of the firm? He’s not that stupid, even if we didn’t get on, which we do. I’ve made him my heir, since I don’t have any heirs of my body. And about your need for money, my dear, I can’t spend a tenth of what my investments bring in, so please let me give you what you need till we sort the house sale out.’

She took his hand and held it to her cheek for a moment. ‘Thank you.’

He leant forward to kiss her cheek then picked up the phone and had a brief conversation with someone. As he put it down, he looked at her smugly. ‘My nephew is coming round straight away. He was promoted to partner last month because he’s as sharp as a tack. He’ll sort this out in no time. You’ll see.’

He studied her face. ‘Feeling better now?’

‘Starting to.’

‘You must definitely stay with me till we work out something permanent, Elise.’

‘I can’t manage the stairs yet. I’ll have to sleep on your sofa.’

‘No need. I had a lift installed immediately after your fall, just in case something similar happened to me. I’m like you, couldn’t bear to go into a care home.’

‘Where on earth did you put a lift?’

‘It’s at the back of the garage and I’ve used it a few times already for taking loads upstairs, but only for that, mind. I can still manage the stairs perfectly well if I want to. The lift is about to pay its way big time for you.’

He stabbed one finger at her. ‘And you, my girl, can visit my physio and get an exercise programme set up. Best way to prevent a fall is to stay strong. I’ve been looking into it for myself.’

Her voice was thick with unshed tears. ‘You’re a wonderful man, Victor Pinkett.’

‘You’re my oldest surviving friend, Elise. Not many left now from our original group. Once we’ve got you fixed up, we’ll have to see if we can both make some new friends.’

She yawned suddenly, feeling exhausted.

‘Just hang on till my nephew’s been to see you, then you can have a little nap.’

‘How do you know I need one?’

‘You look sleepy and you just yawned.’ He grinned. ‘Besides, I usually have one myself at this time of day. Once Gordon’s gone, we’ll both have a little snooze.’