“He’s raved about what a fantastic teacher you are and how you’re willing to share your experience with the new teachers and watch out for them.”

“Did he?” That was a big surprise. “Well, that’s kind of him. He has nice manners and he’s…he’s a…”

“A nice young man.” Laura giggled and hugged her. “I’m so glad you’re home, Mum. And you look so well.” Laura pulled back. “Bree and Kate and I were worried. We thought perhaps there was something wrong and you weren’t telling us.”

“Nothing wrong that a holiday didn’t fix.” Natalie picked up her knife again. There were things between her and Milt that she could never talk to her girls about.

Olive came in then. “Anyone for a cuppa?”

Laura flicked the kettle on. “Sure, Granny.”

A few minutes later the three of them were around the table with their cups.

“Milt said you were staying at the Halbots’ apartment,” Olive said. “How is Veronica?”

Natalie took in Olive’s sharp look and the formal tone she’d taken when she mentioned Veronica. Milt had said his mother knew about the night he and Vee had been together and yet she’d never let on to Natalie.

“She seems to be holding up well,” Natalie said.

“Treatment improves all the time.”

“She’s trying to stay positive. She was looking forward to coming home.” Natalie thought about the evening they’d spent together. After they’d eaten Veronica had talked about how much she missed her garden and Natalie had talked about how much she longed for a garden, and she’d been invited for a visit to the Halbots’ property. “She’ll be here until next week. I thought I’d call in and see her.”

“Really?” Olive’s tone was censorial.

“She has a beautiful garden. I’d like to see it properly. Get some ideas. It’s a shame we haven’t kept in touch. We both thought we should change that.”

Olive remained silently stony-faced.

“Are you planning on doing some gardening?” Laura asked.

“I’m thinking about it.”

“Gardens are a lot of work.” Olive sniffed. “You won’t have time.”

“Veronica’s is all planned out. She has certain jobs for each time of the year and she has watering systems in place. You know she can even set them going from her phone?”

“Modern technology, Mum.” Laura smirked.

She turned to her mother-in-law. It was time to offer an olive branch, she thought, and smiled at her pun. “I’d like your advice, Olive.”

“I don’t know anything about gardens.”

“We could do some planning, get some help, learn together. The front garden would look pretty with a border of roses, don’t you think?”

Olive’s sharp gaze softened. “Clem would have liked that.”