‘Sure. But if he does, would it be like a proper job or is it like the stuff I did for you?’ Maggie opened her mouth to protest but he waved it away like you would a wasp. ‘I saw the log pile. And the animals are all fine. You don’t need me. You don’t need anyone.’

‘That’s where you’re wrong, Tom. I can manage alone but I very much enjoyed not having to. And correct me if I’m wrong but I thought you got something out of it too.’

He gave her a shy smile. ‘You know I love it at your place.’

‘And I loved having you. You’re welcome anytime.’

‘That’s nice of you, Maggie, but I know I cost money to feed.’

‘That’s not a problem. I’m not rich but I’m not short of a bob or two.’ She gave a chuckle.

Tom gave her a sideways look. ‘Huh? But you can’t afford a car.’

She shook her head. ‘Correction – I don’t own a car.’

‘You use your free bus pass.’

‘Because I think cars are bad for the environment and running a tractor and the quad bike is more than my fair share of CO2 emissions.’

Tom remained puzzled. ‘You don’t have credit cards.’

‘Because they’re made of plastic.’

Tom snorted a laugh. ‘You’re quality you are, Maggie.’

‘Thank you,’ she said, rather primly and slightly unsure as to whether it was a compliment or not. ‘Why don’t you get the bus back with me after book club and we’ll tackle Savage about summer work at the farm?’

‘Cool.’

There were more people in the library than usual. Perhaps the penny had finally dropped that locals needed to use it more if they wanted it to stay. There were some new members for book club and Tom was kept busy helping people get online. Christine was distracted and understandably so. She’d heard nothing from the council and there were only five days left until the library’s official closing date. But despite this there was something different in the air. There was a buzz about the place and even if it was its last hurrah, Maggie was pleased to have witnessed it.