Her mother nodded.

‘I might as well tell you both together.’

‘That good?’ Her mother raised an eyebrow.

‘Definitely,’ she said, as they walked into the drawing room to find Gramps.

‘I love seeing you both smile,’ he said as he tried to get up from the sofa and they both raced to his aid. ‘Just hand me the darn cane, please.’ Lottie gave it to him. ‘I need to be able to do this on my own or you should put me in a home.’

‘No!’ Lottie said and her mother in unison.

Alex laughed as he walked through the door. ‘Is that the first time you two have agreed on anything?’

Her mother looked sheepish. ‘It might be.’

‘Now, Lottie, this news,’ said Gramps. ‘I hope it’s not like yesterday’s.’

‘Thankfully not.’ She smiled. ‘They have recovered all my jewellery and best of all, Paul is still married.’

‘To you?’ said Alex.

She looked up at him not sure how he would react. He’d been silent on the matter until now. ‘No, to his first wife.’

A grin spread across her mother’s face. ‘So your marriage is void?’

Lottie nodded.

‘Now that is good news.’ Gramps walked to the drinks table. ‘This calls for something more interesting than tea.’

‘Yes, lunch,’ said Alex. ‘It’s ready.’

‘A sherry before, I think.’ Gramps smiled and went to the decanter on the drinks trolley. He poured several glasses, offering one to Lottie then one to her mother.

‘Why not?’ Her mother took the glass, then linked her arm through Lottie’s and they walked to the kitchen together.

88. Joan

88

Joan

6 August 1962, 5.00 p.m.

Diana is asleep in the snug clutching Allan’s bear. All my guests have left, except Tom. He is in his room packing. Diana and I are leaving tomorrow. We will stay in London. It will be easier when everything isn’t a reminder.

‘Mrs Hoskine.’ I whisper as she walks into the room. She nods and together we go out into the hall. The newspapers lay untouched on the table. No one can bear to read them. This weekend has provided enough tragedy for anyone.

‘Your train tickets are here.’ She hands them to me.

‘Thank you.’

‘It’s not for me to say, but I will.’ She pauses, and I brace myself. ‘Leaving Boskenna isn’t right and it especially isn’t right for Diana.’

I purse my lips. I understand she needs to speak even if I disagree.

‘She needs to feel safe and loved and to feel she is at home.’

‘Thank you.’

‘I’ve known you nearly all my life, Mrs Trewin.’ She straightens her apron. ‘And I have admired you, but I think you are wrong.’ She gives me a knowing look. ‘Two wrongs won’t make a right.’

‘Thank you.’ I say again. Arguing won’t help. ‘I appreciate all you do for us, for me, and your role will be even more important going forward.’