‘Never. As you said, it’s not in a particularly desirable area. Yes, it’s beautiful in its way, and I love it, but people want amenities, regular transport, shops, schools . . . We have nothing here other than a tiny post office cum village store, and a pub a mile and a half away.’

‘Some people would love it for that very reason.’ Liz looked around. ‘It’s a beautiful home and a spectacular garden, Emilia, and there are people who really do want peace and quiet. I’d hate to have a school and pub next door to my home!’

‘But there have been no offers from anyone, I promise you.’ Emilia sighed. ‘Now I’m wondering what they have in mind for their next little assault.’

Liz didn’t want to start speculating. ‘We’ll show this to Matt as soon as he’s finished doing a Tommy Walsh in the garden.’ She pointed to the note, the police officer in her observing that the envelope was plain and obviously hand-delivered and was of the self-seal variety that did not require licking the flap down. ‘May we keep it, Emilia?’

‘With my blessing! It will be a relief to have it out of my home.’ Emilia straightened up. ‘Now, I think it’s time your lovely partner had some tea.’

She went to the fridge for milk, and added, ‘Actually I do have to go away quite soon. I have a yearly meeting with my accountant, who is based in London. We are old friends, so I generally go up on a Friday night, stay over and travel back the following Monday morning. The thing is, I’m picking up my new car on Thursday, and I dread leaving it here unprotected while I am away.’

‘Then why not leave it with us? We are only a few miles away,’ Liz volunteered. ‘What car did you choose, Emilia?’

‘A Volvo V60 estate. It was love at first sight, and it’s not as ostentatious as the Lexus, or one of those super Mustangs.’

Liz’s concern escalated. A brand-new car would be a bloody great magnet for anyone wanting to cause Emilia distress. ‘Then you really must bring it to Tanners Fen. And while you are here, lock the garage every night without fail.’

‘Oh, I will! My timing isn’t exactly flawless, is it?’ Emilia said ruefully. ‘But living here I have to have a reliable vehicle.’

Maybe that banger would not have been such a bad idea after all. A sparkling new Volvo and a person with mischief on their mind didn’t mix too well in Liz’s book. ‘Of course you must. Meanwhile, we really do need to find out who is doing this and stop them, Emilia, so if you see either of us, or our car hanging around, don’t concern yourself. We’ll be keeping a close eye on you from now on.’