It wasn’t much, but it was a start. She closed the book and stood up. Working independently was going to be a steep learning curve for them, but she was sure that once they found their feet, they would turn out to be damned good private detectives.

* * *

The late lunch had been a bit of a rollercoaster as far as Will was concerned. He found himself constantly watching Kate and listening out for any sudden outbursts. Angela could be a bit of a handful at the best of times, and although Hubert always had Kate’s best interests at heart, he was somewhat in awe of the larger-than-life author, and tended to defer to her demands rather too quickly.

They managed to survive the cold buffet meal without any disasters, and as Will had predicted, when Angela saw the painting of Runa, she was stunned by the mastery of Kate’s work.

The agent, Hubert Price, told Kate that he was certain the publishers would tell her to go ahead immediately with the full set of illustrations for the book.

Before she left, the author confided in Will that she felt the move had inspired Kate to higher things. And then she stood in the warm midday sun, stared across the desolate marshes and shivered.

‘I can see where she would get her inspiration from. This is a wild place indeed. Look at all that sky.’ She turned away. ‘But not for me, I’m afraid. I find this spot just a little too remote, too lonely.’

She seemed almost overcome with melancholy. Then she shook herself. ‘I’m so sorry, William. I’m a bit susceptible to atmosphere, and you have quite a lot of it here, don’t you?’

She laughed, but it was a hollow sound.

Will was greatly relieved to see them depart, but Kate seemed almost elated. She poured them both a glass of wine, and they wandered out into the garden and sat on the bench in the afternoon sunshine.

Will told Kate about Angela’s reaction to their new location.

‘Oh, I’m not surprised, darling. She is a great writer, but she loves the social whirl, the parties and the hubbub of the city. My wonderful marshes would send her into a depression after a couple of hours.’ She smiled mischievously. ‘And there isn’t an off licence for six miles! That would never do.’

They giggled like children.

‘I was rather glad to see Hubert take the car keys, considering how much wine Angela put away with lunch.’ Will laughed, enjoying this rare moment with an uncharacteristically relaxed Kate. ‘So, my clever darling, another deadline ahead. I told you they’d love your illustrations. I’ve never seen Angela look so in awe. She seemed almost stunned by your interpretation of her character.’