“You know you are always welcome at Eynsleigh,” I said. “I love to have your company and the country air is good for you.”

He gave me a sad little smile. “I know, ducks. But it’s not my sort of place, is it? Great big house like that, and all them servants. I feel uncomfortable with people waiting on me. I just don’t belong.” He paused. “Don’t get me wrong. I love seeing my granddaughter. It’s a real treat. Just not down there. Are you up in the Smoke for long? ’Cos I’ll be back this evening. I could bring in some fish and chips.”

“I only came up for the day,” I lied, hoping he wouldn’t notice the small suitcase I was carrying. “I was hoping to take you back with me. Give those lungs of yours some good fresh air.”

“Ain’t much wrong with the air up here right now, is there?” he asked, smiling up at the blue sky. “Smashing sort of day, isn’t it? Makes you want to get out and do some walking. I’m going to set up a football match for the boys. Do them good. There’s not much for them to look forward to in that dockland, you know. Most of them are finished with school and there’s no jobs to be had for love or money. In the end, crime seems like a good idea to them. That’s what my old guv is trying to prevent. Give them some hope and some skills. Put them on the right path.”

He took his pocket watch out and glanced surreptitiously at it. “Which means I have to get going. Will you walk with me to the station?”

“Of course I will,” I said. “I’m really pleased you have found something worthwhile to do. I know you must have been sad and lonely after Mrs. Huggins died.”

He closed the front door behind us and we started walking along Glanville Drive. “You know I didn’t think I’d miss her but I did,” he said at last. “You get used to somebody, don’t you? Expect to have them around. Even if you’re listening to the wireless together it’s the companionship, isn’t it? So I’m glad I’m keeping myself busy. You’ve got your own life. You and that handsome husband of yours. And pretty soon the patter of tiny feet, eh?” And he dug me in the ribs with a grin.