‘Dominic has a teenage son from his first marriage who lives with his mother, and he’s got a daughter, who’s seven, with his partner, Lisa. Their daughter is a great playmate for Tilly.’ She nodded in the direction of her daughter.

‘Harry doesn’t have children?’

Natalie threw a look that told Steph she was surprised by the question. Steph quickly covered herself. ‘I’m assuming he doesn’t, as he hasn’t mentioned them.’

‘No, he doesn’t,’ said Natalie, with what sounded like a touch of sorrow. ‘He would have made a good dad, but Elizabeth wasn’t too keen.’ She stopped and suddenly looked embarrassed. ‘I’m sorry, you’ll have to excuse me, gabbling on like that. Owen is always telling me I talk too much.’

‘Oh, it’s OK,’ said Steph, touching Natalie’s arm as if they were old friends. ‘I won’t tell if you don’t.’

The sound of a diesel engine made both women look round and Steph saw a taxi coming to a halt in front of them. Owen Sinclair emerged and looked at her. Then, walking over to them, he kissed Natalie on the cheek and made a fuss of the children before saying hello to Steph.

‘I was just taking a walk,’ said Steph. ‘I was admiring your house when I bumped into your wife.’

Owen nodded but his face was unsmiling.

‘What are you doing in a taxi?’ asked Natalie as the car performed a U-turn and drove off. ‘Where’s your car?’

‘Bloody thing,’ said Owen. ‘Something to do with the electronics. Managed to disable itself. Someone from the garage is going to look at it.’

Natalie gave a sigh. ‘And they say German cars are supposed to be some of the most reliable cars.’

Steph tensed at this comment. German? The car that had run her off the road had been an Audi. Owen’s car was in the garage needing fixing – apparently it was the immobiliser – but could it be an Audi? She looked at Owen, who glared back at her. ‘Actually, my car needs to go into the garage too,’ she said, hoping she sounded light-hearted. ‘I had a bit of trouble with it this afternoon. I managed to slide off the road and hit a fence. The bodywork needs repairing.’ She watched Owen’s face for any sign he knew what she was talking about.

‘Oh, no,’ said Natalie. ‘I hope it doesn’t cost you too much.’

‘I hope so too,’ said Steph.

‘I need to make a few calls about the car,’ said Owen, taking Tilly’s hand. He nodded a goodbye at Steph and walked off towards the lodge.

‘I’d better go in too,’ said Natalie, twirling the buggy round. ‘Nice talking to you. Might see you again in the week.’