“Thanks,” she said. Then she added, “I think,” under her breath as he walked away along the river path in the direction of the sheds. She never quite knew what to make of him. Today he’d been helpful and shown a more affable manner.

She sighed and turned back to the room behind her. Excitement took over and she forgot about Flynn. This place was hers until she moved on.

She carried her bag into the bedroom and ran her hand over the beautiful patchwork bedspread. It was nearly all white with little touches of deep burgundy and green and was quilted with an intricate pattern of stitches.

She’d brought the sheets down earlier and made the bed. Now she opened her bag, pulled out her clothes and put them in the little cupboard. She had her own room at home but it was small and the house was never empty of people with five of them living there and friends and family calling in.

“Damn.” After all her good intentions she’d forgotten to call home the night before. She retrieved her mobile from her bag and saw there’d been a text from her mother. She dashed off a quick reply saying she’d ring tonight.

Not now. She wanted to settle in to her new surroundings. There was still some time before she needed to go back to the house to organise the evening meal. She took out her bead container and began to play with different combinations. She had several ideas but craved some new inspiration. Perhaps she would go with Flynn into town and attend Mary’s gathering of jewellery makers.

* * *

“Flynn, I really need someone to talk to.” Kat’s voice wavered.

Flynn pressed his phone to his ear. “How about we go in to the pub? I’ve offered to drive Keely in to Margs to a meeting at Mary’s. We can go for a drink while she’s there.”

“Thanks, I have something important to ask you.” There was a hint of desperation in her voice.

“Sounds mysterious. I’m always up for a bit of intrigue.”

There was silence for a moment then Kat was back. “Sorry. I thought I heard Pappou calling. What did you say?”

“Nothing. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

“No, don’t come here. I’ll come and get you. Seven you said. See you then.”

She was gone. Flynn looked at his mobile then shoved it back in his pocket. Kat was usually so self-assured. He wondered what was bothering her.

“Are you going out?”

He turned to face Euan.

“Yes. I’m taking Keely into that jewellery thing at Mary’s. We ate earlier. Your meal’s in the microwave.”

“We could get used to this kind of treatment.” Euan opened the door and peered at the chicken in mango sauce.

“Perhaps we should consider getting a housekeeper.”

“You’re full of ideas to spend money, aren’t you?”