‘Lucky you,’ said Kym, then. ‘Sorry, I’ve been hearing a lot about this party.’

‘Don’t be,’ said Nell. ‘My stepdaughter’s not too keen on the idea either.’

‘I saw Louise this morning,’ Gina said. ‘She’s still looking for someone reliable.’

‘Cleaning holiday cottages?’ Kym pulled a face. ‘Really?’

‘It’s good money. It would do until you found something else.’

‘Can’t I come and work in the shop with you? Or I could help out at the Lit and Phil.’

‘Kym did some work experience with us,’ Gina told Nell, ‘and now we can’t get rid of her.’

‘It was interesting,’ said Kym.

‘I’m sure it was,’ said Nell. She’d spent many rainy afternoons wandering around the museum when she was a kid.

‘And we would have you back like a shot, pet. Only there’s no money to pay you.’

‘The shop then.’

‘I can only offer you the odd shift.’

‘Well that’s that,’ said Kym, kicking her bag out of the way and opening the fridge, ‘skivvying it is.’

Nell stood up. ‘I should go.’

‘There’s no need,’ said Gina. ‘You’re welcome to stay for lunch.’

‘Oh, that’s tempting – but I should get back. Another day, though? Or you could come down to the house, take a look around, see how it’s changed?’

‘We’ll see. I wouldn’t like to intrude.’

Kym glanced at her grandmother, but didn’t comment.

‘Go through the garden, pet,’ said Gina. ‘Just follow the path round.’ She walked Nell to the door. ‘Call in any time, if she gets a bit too much for you, Carolyn. And I daresay I’ll see you at Dave and Jenny’s do.’

‘I could babysit.’ Kym was still standing by the open fridge. ‘I mean – if you want? If your little girl doesn’t want to go to the party?’

‘Kym,’ said Gina, ‘don’t.’

‘What? I’m being friendly, helpful.’ She grinned at Nell. ‘And only a bit pushy.’

‘Oh,’ Nell said, ‘I’m not sure. She’s not actually that little, she’s twelve.’

‘Or not, you know – only if you need someone just to keep her company—’

‘I’m sure Nell can make her own arrangements,’ said Gina.

‘Can I think about it?’ Nell asked. ‘Have a word with my husband and let you know?’

‘Sure. Gran’s got my number.’

‘Right. I’ll be in touch, then.’ Nell opened the door, then hesitated, looking around the kitchen one last time. ‘Thanks,’ she said, ‘for the photos, and for the tea and sympathy.’

‘Any time.’

Nell smiled and Kym thought she might say more, but instead she stepped out into the garden and vanished from sight.

*

‘Sympathy?’ Kym said. ‘Did I interrupt something?’