‘What do you really want to do? To stay till Thursday or go home today?’

‘I’d rather go home today, if you don’t mind. I’ll call a taxi. There’s a driver I use.’ Ali would help her carry her things into the house, she was sure.

Gordon smiled. ‘I thought you’d want to do that. My uncle said you always were very independent. That’s why I brought Peter with me. He can drive you back and take you shopping on the way. Oh, and you might as well have all the food from here. I’m the main heir, you see, and I’m going to be selling this house, so you’ll be helping me by clearing out the kitchen.’

He was trying to make her feel better about this gift, so she didn’t protest.

He fumbled in his pocket and pulled out an envelope. ‘Here’s an advance on your little legacy.’

She took it without looking and shoved it in her handbag with a nod of thanks.

Gordon stood up. ‘If that’s all for the moment, I’ll get on with my day. I’ll let you know about the funeral arrangements and send a car to pick you up for the funeral, Mrs Carlton.’

When he’d gone, Peter looked at her shrewdly. ‘You look tired. How about I pack up the stuff in the kitchen?’

‘Thank you. I’m not a hundred per cent recovered yet, but they tell me I’m doing fine. It takes it out of you at my age, having a major operation.’

‘It takes it out of you at any age.’

She sat down on the sofa and almost pulled out the envelope to look at how much money Victor had left her. But the cushions looked so soft and inviting, she leant back to have a little rest first …

When Elise woke up, she glanced automatically at her watch. Noon. Oh, no! She must have fallen asleep. She got up, stretching carefully and slowly, but as she moved, she bumped into a small table and the clatter brought Peter to the doorway.

‘You’re awake, sleepy-head.’

‘I’m so sorry. You should have woken me.’

‘Why? It’s taken me until about ten minutes ago to sort out the kitchen. I had to go up and find a couple of suitcases in the end, there was so much food. Mr Pinkett always did like to keep a good stock in hand. I hope you’ve got a big freezer.’

‘Um, yes.’ Almost empty at the moment.

‘Are you ready to go now?’

‘I’ll just use the bathroom first.’

As she was getting into the car she paused to look back at the house where she’d spent so many happy hours over the years. She’d miss this place as well as its owner.

‘I’ll carry everything in and unpack the food for you,’ Peter said as they drove off.

‘Don’t you have work to do?’

‘Mr Pinkett said my main job today was getting you settled in.’

‘He’s being very kind.’

‘He’d hate anyone to know how soft-hearted he is. He’s just as nice as his uncle.’