There was a double bed covered with a cream-coloured eiderdown, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers. The curtains, which were drawn, were a heavy, pale blue jacquard, shutting out the light from the window. A door to the side of the bed was slightly ajar and Steph could see through to the bathroom. There was a slight musty smell to the room but it was the heavy stillness which felt the most overpowering.

‘Does anyone ever come in here?’ she asked.

‘Once a week to dust and open the curtains and windows for a while to let a bit of fresh air in.’

‘Was it Elizabeth’s private room?’

‘She and Harry stayed in here while the lodge was being refurbished just before their wedding.’ Heidi put her arm past Steph to reach for the door handle and Steph moved back into the hallway. ‘I think Mrs Sinclair Senior would like to open up the room again, but Harry’s never been about long enough to go through the rest of the things. Can’t say I blame him, really.’

‘When is the room next due for a clean?’ Steph tried to sound casual.

‘Friday. The rooms up here on the first floor are for guests who don’t necessarily need a lodge and just want a room. More for those who are here on business or for the spa facilities.’ They reached the foot of the stairs. ‘Right, that’s all the formalities done. I’ll take you over to Greenway Lodges and pair you up with Eva – she’s been with us a couple of years now and will look after you. I’ll probably leave you with her for most of the week.’

Steph spent the rest of the morning cleaning, bed-stripping and bed-making, cushion-plumping and fridge-stocking. She was surprised at how fast the next few hours went and that they had finished the lodges and were now back at the main house, signing out for the day.

‘Well done, Steph,’ said Heidi. ‘Eva tells me you did well today. See you in the morning.’

As Steph made her way up to her room, she couldn’t help thinking about Elizabeth’s room. She’d love to get in there for a closer look around and wondered if there would be the opportunity to slip in at some point that week. She wasn’t sure what she would be looking for and what, if anything, she’d find, but it was too good an opportunity to pass up.

Primrose Close, Kendalton,
Monday, 13 May, 1.05 p.m.