‘Don’t lie,’ he says, his top lip curling into a smirk. ‘It’s a bog-standard Yorkshire boozer. Bet you’re used to more classy affairs where you come from. Where did you say that was again?’

‘She didn’t,’ says Isobel, squeezing past him to get to her seat. ‘Now, Jimmy, what did I tell you about badgering newbies? Lisa’s just come out for a quiet drink.’

‘Sorry, I’m being nosy,’ he says, his eyes still firmly on me. ‘But you’d tell me if you minded, wouldn’t you?’

I take a sip of my drink, ignoring his question.

‘Isobel tells me you’re staying up at Rowan Isle,’ he says, leaning forward so that I can smell the peppermint on his breath.

‘That’s right,’ I say, gulping down my words.

‘For a holiday?’ he says, his voice incredulous.

‘Er, yes,’ I say, my voice trembling.

I feel like I’m back with Mark, being tested and found wanting.

‘Strange time of year to take a holiday,’ he says. ‘Especially with a little ’un. You staying for Christmas, I take it?’

‘I … well, I’m not sure,’ I say, my chest tightening. ‘I haven’t really … we’ll have to see.’

‘Come on, Jimmy,’ says Isobel, noticing my shaking hands. ‘That’s enough questioning, eh?’

‘Forgive me,’ he says, holding his hands in the air. ‘Like I said, I’m a nosy beggar. But I must say, I don’t blame you for being on edge. I’d be the same if I had to stay in that house after everything that went on there.’

‘What do you mean?’ I say, putting my drink down.

‘Jimmy,’ says Isobel sternly. ‘Enough, eh?’

She gestures to Joe, who is sitting on the banquette next to me, munching his crisps.

‘Hey, Joe,’ she says, holding out her hand towards him. ‘Would you like to meet Big Tom?’

Joe shakes his head and Isobel pulls a face of mock horror.

‘You don’t want to meet Big Tom?’ she says, her eyes widening. ‘The lovely marmalade cat? He’s just over there by the fire keeping warm but I know he would love to have a cuddle from you.’

‘Pusscat,’ says Joe, jumping up from his seat and sending the crisps flying. ‘Go see pusscat.’

‘Okay, darling,’ I say. I go to stand but Isobel has already swooped him up.

‘I’ll take him,’ she says. ‘You stay there and enjoy the peace.’

I smile, hearing Joe’s excited chattering as they walk towards the fire.

‘Not a big drinker, eh?’ says Jimmy, gesturing to the glass of wine I’ve barely touched.

‘Not really, no,’ I say.

I glance across at the fire where Joe is sitting on a stool with a fat ginger tom perched on his knee. Isobel leans forward to tickle the cat’s chin and Joe lets out a squeal of contented laughter.

‘Well, that’s certainly a rarity around here,’ says Jimmy with a smile. ‘Not that I’m complaining cos if this lot didn’t like their drink I’d be out of a job.’ He gestures to the room. It’s got busier since we arrived and the young barmaid is looking frazzled as a group of elderly men bark their drinks orders at her.