But Iris wasn’t looking. She rested her hands on the frilly arm covers on her chair. ‘No, I’m going to have to think of something else.’

Kate was wary. ‘Like what?’

‘Oh, I don’t know. There’s these very nice homes . . .’

‘I’m not having it. I said I’d look after you—’

‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ said Iris sharply. Then seeing Kate’s face, she softened her voice. ‘Sorry. Didn’t mean to snap. It’s just not practical. You have a life, a very busy one with a very important task ahead, and I need to face up to knowing when the time is right to seek help.’

Kate went to open her mouth again.

‘Professional help.’

They sat in silence for a moment. ‘Would you at least talk it over with me? See if we can find another solution so you can stay in your own home? It’s what you said you always wanted to do.’

‘Changed my mind.’

‘Seriously?’

‘Yes. They have non-stop dominoes at Sunrise Royal Oaks. And bingo.’

Kate raised an eyebrow.

‘OK, we can talk,’ relented Iris and patted the chair next to her. ‘Why don’t you make us both a fresh tea and get comfy?’

Kate’s face fell. In an instant, Iris had clocked it.

‘You have to be somewhere.’

‘I’m sorry . . . I’m meant to be in Ramsbourne. I’ll cancel,’ said Kate rashly, wondering how she was going to explain to all the families who were gathering on her behalf.

‘Don’t be daft.’ Iris was staring out of the window. Kate followed her gaze but there was nothing there. Just the tree growing out of the pavement that had been there ever since she remembered.

‘Look at them, chasing each other,’ said Iris and Kate saw two squirrels leaping around the tree. ‘They’ve always entertained me. Ever since I moved in. Generations of the little blighters. We can talk tomorrow. It’s fine.’

Kate knew it wasn’t. Not really. But there wasn’t much she could do. ‘I’ll bring cake.’

Iris smiled. ‘Whatever you like.’

Her eyelids started to droop, and Kate realized she couldn’t have had her post-lunch nap.

‘Can I get you anything?’

‘I’m fine here, love. You go on.’

‘I don’t have to go yet! Got another ten minutes.’

‘It’s OK. Bit tired if I’m honest.’

‘Well, if you’re sure,’ said Kate, reluctantly. She gathered up the fallen mug and took it into the kitchen. When she came back, it looked like Iris was asleep. She gave the carpet a quick scrub, then realized she’d need to get a move on if she wasn’t going to miss her train.

She crept out of the room but as her hand went to pull the door to, Iris spoke, her eyes still closed.

‘By the way, any news with your break-in?’

‘Nothing. Police haven’t had any leads.’

‘Funny how you’ve had two in the same number of years. Makes me nervous.’

‘Just unlucky,’ lied Kate.

Iris nodded and was quiet.

Kate waited a moment, then left the room and closed the front door softly behind her.