‘She’s a jewellery designer,’ said Evie, who’d spent the time waiting for her father googling her new neighbour. Her work was lovely, most of it in the style of her mum’s earrings, spare and simple; lots of semi-precious stones and sea glass set in silver, exactly the kind of thing that appealed to Evie, the kind of thing she might like to do herself one day, if only she could talk her mum around. It was expensive too, she’d marvelled at the prices people were willing to pay; wishing she could afford some of it.

‘She’s an old school friend,’ said her mother.

‘Really?’ Oliver didn’t look convinced. He had opinions about her mother’s old school, Evie knew, opinions that were strong enough to have Evie sent to a private school just outside of town. Until last September, anyway.

‘Really. She grew up just down the road, in one of the council houses by the harbour.’

‘And had the good sense to get out?’

‘Well, she’s not got any family here, not anymore.’ Carolyn said. ‘Cousins, obviously, David Galilee; they’re here for the anniversary party.’

‘Just the two of them, is it, in a house that size?’ Oliver asked.

‘There’s a daughter.’

‘Stepdaughter,’ said Evie.

‘Right. Well, the jewellery business must be booming, that’s all I can say. If they can afford to take that on for the week.’

‘Longer, I think,’ said Carolyn.

‘If they stay,’ said Evie.

‘Well, why wouldn’t they?’

‘I don’t know. The house is a bit – creepy, isn’t it?’

‘Some people like that sort of thing,’ said her father. ‘Ghosties and ghoulies and things that go bump in the night. What about whatshisname, that guy who wanted to bring his ghost walk up the yard?’

Carolyn shook her head. ‘Complete and utter nonsense.’ She frowned at Evie. ‘I can’t imagine what’s brought this on.’

‘Some people can’t get enough of it,’ said Oliver.

‘Not Nell Galilee,’ said Carolyn. ‘Ghost stories are for tourists and incomers.’

There was a pause.

‘Mum has some of her earrings,’ said Evie. ‘You bought them for her.’

‘Did I?’

‘Yes.’ Her mother began to clear the table. ‘You did.’

It was odd, Evie thought as she stood to help her mother, glancing through the kitchen window, the way Elder House seemed closer now it was occupied; when it was empty, it had been easier to ignore.

*

After dinner, Nell tidied the kitchen. Then, leaving Chris and Maude to entertain themselves in the living room, and thinking she might check her messages, she went upstairs in search of her phone. The charger snaked across the duvet, but the phone itself – and she was certain she’d left it on the bed – had vanished. She checked underneath, then made a detour to the bathroom. Maybe she’d left it in there.