‘I’d love to but I’ve made other arrangements,’ he said. ‘I’m having an early lunch with an old pal. But after that I’m free for the rest of the day.’

Annie was taken aback as well as disappointed. Her uncle had come all this way to see her and was already going off by himself.

She chose not to make an issue of it and asked him how he’d been and what life was like in Penrith. In turn, he asked her about James and what had prompted the move from London. She didn’t mention Sullivan, and said simply that they’d both decided that they were fed up with the capital.

The conversation was congenial enough, but the more they talked, the more Annie felt that Bill was trying to be careful what he said. Evasive, almost. And several times he appeared to lose his train of thought, which suggested to Annie that he had something else on his mind.

She got the impression from what he said, and from his body language, that he felt more awkward than she did. He was clearly uncomfortable, and seemed far removed from the brash, imperious man she used to know.

She started to wonder if there was something troubling him, and when he responded to her repeated question about where his car was, her curiosity was aroused even further.

‘It’s in the car park of The King’s Head,’ he said. ‘That’s where I’m staying. I arrived early yesterday evening and have booked a room for twelve nights. It’s really cheap.’

‘But why? I said you could stay here. I’ve made a bed up for you.’

He shrugged. ‘I thought it best for everyone if I didn’t stay here. I know James and his brood aren’t keen on me after what happened at the funeral, so I made up my mind to have somewhere to go if things became difficult and I felt I wasn’t welcome.’

‘But that’s ridiculous,’ Annie said, her voice rising an octave. ‘This is going to be a family Christmas in our new home. And you’re part of the family.’

‘I know, and I’m grateful, but this way I won’t feel under so much pressure.’

Annie was sure that there was more to it than that, but she didn’t think it likely that he would open up to her just yet.

‘I did pop over here to see you soon after I arrived around five,’ Bill said. ‘But there was no answer even though the lights were on inside.’

‘As a matter of interest was there a parcel on the doorstep addressed to James?’

He shook his head. ‘Not that I recall. I’m sure I would have seen it if there had been.’

‘So what did you do then?’

‘I went for a walk through the village and delivered some Christmas cards to a few former acquaintances. After that I headed back to The King’s Head for a drink in the bar before going to bed.’

Annie was still trying to get her mind around what he’d just said when he went and dropped another bombshell.