‘I’ll be in my garden, I expect. My sister occasionally visits, but nothing really apart from that. I can’t say I’m looking forward to it. She’s very disruptive – enjoys tidying up.’

Lily could see the disappointment on his face and realized the headteacher probably led a lonely existence out of school. ‘You must come round for tea one day, John. My mother enjoys making a fuss of visitors. Call in when you’re passing and we can arrange a date.’

John became animated. ‘Thank you so much! That would be lovely.’ He wanted to say more, but the words wouldn’t come. He was also aware that Lily’s relationship with Tom Feather appeared to have gone strangely quiet and he wondered why.

As they parted, Lily felt as though she had gained a small insight into the life of her colleague.

When Lily pushed her bicycle down the drive Ruby was standing by the gate.

‘Hello, Ruby,’ said Lily. ‘How are you?’

‘Fine thanks, Miss Briggs. Ah’ve jus’ come t’say ’ello t’my Aunty Gladys. She’s a lovely lady an’ she ’as a great gift.’

‘So I heard.’

‘She’s got them sidekick powers.’

Lily nodded and smiled. ‘So did she tell your fortune, Ruby?’

‘Yes, Miss Briggs, she did. She told me ah’d meet a tall stranger an’ ’e would look after me an’ ah’d be ’appy an’ blessed wi’ children.’

Lily couldn’t think of an appropriate reply. ‘I see,’ she said.

‘But instead ah met Ronnie,’ said Ruby with a shrug. ‘Mind you, ah’ve got two beautiful children. So there are some blessings in life ah s’ppose.’

‘Miss Evans told me you had been invited to her evening soirée.’

Ruby looked puzzled. ‘Y’mean ’er party? Yes, ah’m goin’ wi’ Mrs Trott. She’s thrilled t’be invited. Sounds a posh do. Ah’m puttin’ on m’best frock.’

‘That’s lovely, Ruby,’ said Lily. ‘See you there.’

A small lady with colourful clothes appeared by the steps leading up to the caravan. ‘There she is now,’ said Ruby. ‘Come an’ meet ’er.’

They walked across the village green and Lily propped her bicycle very gently against one of the shafts of the caravan.

‘This is t’teacher ah were tellin’ you about,’ said Ruby.

‘Miss Briggs,’ said Gladys, ‘I’m very pleased to meet you. I know you are always kind towards my favourite niece.’

Lily was fascinated by her birdlike movements and bright-blue eyes. ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you,’ she said.

Gladys studied Lily intently. ‘Tell me, would you like to know a little more about your life?’

Lily was curious. ‘How would you do that?’

‘The simple way is for me to read your palm. It will only take a few minutes.’

Lily looked around her. The village green was empty and the High Street seemed strangely quiet. Why not? she thought.