Biting back his comment on her obsession with Whisper Fen, Will mustered a faint smile. ‘Oh, spent a fortune as usual, but at least we’ll have some fresh food to eat. How’s your work going?’

‘Slow. Better get on.’ She left him to put away the groceries and returned to the lounge.

He made coffee and took it into her. A glance around the room revealed little difference from when he had left for the shops. He guessed that her phone call had sent her scurrying to the computer, abandoning the lounge. He offered to help her, but she declined.

Not much keen on wallpapering, Will didn’t argue. He said he would go and do some odd jobs. Remembering the muddy shoes, he made his way out to the porch.

He washed off the mud ready for polishing when he remembered what had bothered him earlier. As he had pulled on his trainers, he had seen Kate’s best black shoes on the shoe rack, their slender heels caked in mud. Now they were gone.

Where had she been in a pair of Gucci heels?

He finished his job and decided to ask her. Then he saw Matt’s Toyota pulling up outside.

‘You look full of the joys of spring,’ he commented as Matt strode towards him.

Matt gave him a wink. ‘Oh, do I? Now I wonder why that is.’

Will thought of his own cool reception and felt empty inside. He changed the subject. ‘What have you got there?’ He indicated the folder under Matt’s arm.

‘More photos, a few old newspaper cuttings and some interesting stuff about the building of this house. Heaven knows why my parents had it, but I found it with some old deeds and documents that belonged to them. It even lists the materials used and the names of the builders. I reckon Kate’ll love it. Even I have to admit it’s interesting.’

‘Oh, you’ll be her friend for life,’ said Will bitterly. ‘Sorry. That came out all wrong.’

‘Been a bit fraught, mate?’ Matt asked softly.

‘Could say that. But come in and see what she’s done with the lounge. It’s impressive, even if she’s nearly killing herself getting it done.’ He led the way into the house. ‘I’ll leave you two to it while I make some tea, okay?’

Matt nodded. ‘Just give me enough time to do a bit of evaluating. I’m wearing my police hat today and I’m going to use some of my old investigative skills.’

‘As long as she doesn’t suspect anything.’

Matt smiled. ‘Rest easy. I’m just a fellow enthusiast, full of eagerness to impart what I know about the marsh here.’ He lowered his voice. ‘The good bits, anyway, nothing too macabre, I promise.’

‘Okay, well, I need to go and check my emails. I’ll bring you a mug of tea later.’