Steph’s phone began to ring, startling her enough to make her drop it on the ground. Fortunately, the grass was a soft landing and Steph picked it up, turning it over to see it was her mother, of all people.

Steph had half a mind to ignore the call. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to speak to Wendy right now, but all the same, she felt compelled to answer it.

‘Hello.’

‘Hello, Stephanie,’ came her mother’s voice, brisk and chilled as per usual. There was no remorse or contrition in her tone. ‘Are you OK?’

Had she heard her mother right? Wendy was asking her if she was OK? She realised her mother was waiting for a response. ‘Yes, I’m fine.’ Although as she replied Steph conceded that wasn’t particularly accurate.

‘I think maybe we should talk,’ said Wendy, this time more conciliatory. ‘Maybe we could have lunch again?’

‘Er … yes, that would be nice.’ Steph was stunned by not only the call, but by the invitation too.

‘Good. I’ll call you later in the week to arrange it. Maybe Thursday or Friday?’

‘Great. I’ll look forward to it,’ she heard herself saying, before her mum said goodbye and the call ended.

Steph felt both excited and cautious at this apparent development. Perhaps she should have given her mum a bit more credit when it came to understanding her daughter’s emotions.

She was still mulling over the phone call as she entered Conmere House, and wasn’t aware of anyone else in the hallway until she heard a voice.

‘Penny for your thoughts.’

Steph stopped abruptly at the stairs. In front of her was Harry. He smiled at her and his blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight that flowed through the feature window.

‘Sorry. I was miles away,’ said Steph, feeling herself return his smile, although his friendliness took her by surprise. It was as if they hadn’t argued at all. ‘My mum just phoned. She’s invited me to lunch at the end of the week.’

‘That’s nice,’ replied Harry. ‘Where are you going?’

‘I don’t know. Anywhere you’d recommend?’

‘There’s the Woodcutters in the village, just a few miles down the road. They do a good lunch.’

‘Thanks. I’ll mention it to her.’ Steph didn’t know what else to say and suddenly felt awkward standing there as they looked at each other. She wanted to apologise for not being able to tell him the truth but it would be a hollow apology if she still refused to confide in him. She broke the silence first. ‘I’d better get on. Apparently, the clean laundry is coming in today.’ She waved a hand in the direction of the laundry room.

Harry pulled a face. ‘Laundry duty. That will be fun. I remember having to do that myself when I was a kid.’