“That young man’s come into his own as well,” Olive said. “I used to think he was a bit wet behind the eyes but he’s very thoughtful and well organised.”

“Yes he is.” Natalie smiled, both at Olive’s funny way with words and at the recollection of the conversation she’d had with Milt not long after she’d returned home. He’d taken her aside and gravely warned her to be prepared for some news. After all they’d been through she’d wondered what on earth he’d been going to tell her. He’d sat her down and warned her to be aware that Laura and Paul were an item, his way of telling her they were a couple in the full sense of the word. She’d smiled quietly to herself over that.

It was late in the afternoon and Natalie and Olive were packing up their sold-out stall when Olive paused and gave Natalie a close look. “I haven’t had a chance to ask how your holiday was,” she said.

“It feels a distant memory now but I really enjoyed it, thanks, Olive.”

“You do look refreshed.”

“I feel it.” Natalie thought now might be an opportune moment to talk to Olive about the cleaning. “I thought now that I’m trying to organise my time a little better that perhaps we could see about getting you some home help.”

“That’s a good idea and Laura and I are already on to it.” Olive whipped the cloth off the table and began to fold it.

“You and Laura?”

“Yes. She’s been such a help while you were away. She popped in one day with some information about home help and someone’s been to visit me already to see what might be available.”

“That’s great.” Natalie stacked the empty cake containers into a large cardboard box. That had been a conversation she hadn’t been looking forward to.

“You know I never want to be a burden to you and Milton,” Olive said.

Natalie opened her mouth but Olive cut her off. “I should never have let you do my cleaning. You do so much, Natalie, for everyone, but I enjoyed our little catch-ups even if you only came because you had to clean for me.”

“Oh, Olive.” A surge of guilt swept through Natalie and then she dismissed it. She looked Olive in the eye. “You know when you first moved I was happy for you and for me. We both had our own space at last, but we’ve lived together for so long and…well, I missed you.”

Olive humphed. “Missed my interfering.”

Natalie shook her head. “We’ve had our moments. I know you didn’t like me teaching but—”