‘I will leave you a key, if that is alright with you, Mr Ballard? If you don’t think it an imposition?’

‘Of course not. I’ll be happy to help.’ He gave her a rueful smile. ‘I’m just sad that we’ve not managed to protect you from it all. To tell you the truth, Will and I are feeling pretty useless.’

The old woman went to a bureau in the corner of her bedroom and took out a sheet of white paper. On it, in elegant script, she wrote a name, address and telephone number, and her mobile number, and handed it to him.

‘No one could have done more. And you’re both being so kind. It means a lot to me. Lena is a dear old friend, as well as a relative of my husband. She used to live in the old Manor House in the village here, but it got too much for her after her family grew up and her husband died. She now has a nice little bungalow in Beckington, near Louth, and I can stay for as long as I want. She was a great friend of old Mrs Holland, too. She is a good woman, she will make me welcome.’ She turned to Will and smiled. ‘Oh, and do tell your wife that I will be staying with Lena Marshall. They met at the funeral. Mrs Stonebridge was quite taken with her, Lena having spent such a lot of time at Holland House in the past.’

Will froze, then stuttered, ‘Funeral?’

‘Yes, Mrs Holland’s funeral. It was very good of your wife to attend, when she clearly isn’t very well herself. There were precious few who did, I can tell you. I know it was rather early in the morning but even so, the crematorium chapel was almost empty. Just myself, Lena, a couple of representatives from the home, and your good wife.’

Matt watched as Will struggled to cover his confusion. ‘Oh, yes, of course. I was in Canada at the time. I’d forgotten.’

Emilia seemed to accept that and continued with her packing. Matt caught Will’s eye and nodded towards the door. ‘Shout when you’re through, Emilia, and we’ll carry your cases down.’

He hurried Will downstairs. ‘What was that all about?’