He smiled and his eyes wandered over her. It didn’t bother her; she was used to it. Yes, she had two children who were nearly grown-up, but she kept herself looking nice. And, anyway, men were men, weren’t they? It wasn’t hard to get their attention. Wanted or otherwise.

‘Mrs Davenport says you’re down here to finish a book?’ She got her Marigolds out and laid them on top of the cleaning box. She kept them hidden in the bag with her slippers as she hated the idea of wearing rubber gloves other people had used, even though she was sure Eleanor Davenport had never worn a pair in her life.

‘Yes. But I’ve been desperate to spend a decent amount of time here since we bought the place. It’s tiring driving back and forth in a weekend and I never feel like I really get to enjoy it. You live in a beautiful part of the world, Angie. The sea air is spectacular.’

He smiled at her. It was a smile Angie could tell he’d used a thousand times before on a thousand different women. Angie knew men. This one might have a posh voice and creases ironed into the front of his jeans but he was no different to any of the others.

She rested her hand on the worktop to balance herself then bent each leg in turn to put on her slippers.

‘Well,’ she said. ‘I should get on. I’m going to start upstairs.’ She hesitated. ‘That won’t disturb you, will it?’

‘No, I’ll be shut away in my study doing battle with a blank page. Though you would be a welcome distraction, I’m sure.’

‘Going into battle? Sounds messy. I hope you don’t expect me to clean up after you?’ She kicked herself for the playful tone she’d used. It was complicated enough having one employer in pursuit of her without encouraging a second.

‘No actual blood and guts to deal with thankfully.’ He leant closer to her. ‘Unless I murder the lady of the house, of course, in which case I’ll need you on hand with the bleach.’

Angie smiled despite knowing she shouldn’t. She decided she liked him, despite the flirting and the fact his mouth was stuffed full of plums. He had kind eyes, and kind eyes went a long way.

‘Angie?’

Angie jumped and looked around to see Eleanor standing in the doorway.

‘When you do the bathroom,’ she said, ‘can you make sure you give the floors a proper wash? I don’t know when you last did them but they are in dire need of attention.’

Angie’s stomach twisted. ‘Oh… I… I did them last week. Did I do them wrong—?’