With a cry of alarm, the blonde spun on the spot and scampered back out of the room. Bella’s eyes widened as she made sense of the scene and slowly, she turned back to Mr Cole.

‘Ah, now, Miss Moore. It’s not what it looks like. That’s— She’s—’

In her head, Bella gave thanks. Though she was reticent about taking advantage of the situation she wanted to relieve Nick’s worries. ‘It’s not for me to say anything, Mr Cole, but clearly should I be asked by the police about your character I would feel it my duty to mention …’ She let the implication hang in the air and looked towards the door so he knew exactly what she meant. ‘And as Mr Cowley’s next-door neighbour and a witness, I’m sure they’ll be speaking to me soon. Of course, if you dropped the charges, they wouldn’t need to speak to me at all, but that’s entirely your decision.’

The excitement pulsing through her veins made her feel more alive than she had in ages. Mr Cole’s face grew so red she was sure the top of his head was about to fly off and hit the fake and rather ugly chandelier dangling from the ceiling.

‘Miss Moore—’ His voice was steely but heavy with embarrassment.

‘I’ll see myself out, Mr Cole, as you’re rather, umm … busy.’

Bella left, holding her head up high but as soon as she left the living room she virtually ran to the front door and outside before he could catch up with her. Her heart pounded up into her throat. She couldn’t wait to tell her parents about what she’d just done. Or Nick.

***

‘You said what?’ Caro couldn’t stop grinning while her dad chuckled away. Their mum was stirring the gravy, sipping wine and laughing like a drain.

‘I can’t believe I did it,’ Bella said breathlessly. Her heart had beaten a techno dance tune since she closed the Coles’ front door behind her and marched to her parents’ house. The cold, fresh air and pale winter sky had cleansed her skin of the embarrassment the awkward situation had caused. She’d heard rumours of his affairs of course. Who in the village hadn’t? But she hadn’t ever imagined she’d walk in on him having one. That woman must have been cold, wearing such a flimsy, see-through nightdress. It was absolutely freezing today.

Bella sipped her small glass of wine as her dad carved the beef. ‘Dirty bugger. I’ve never understood these men who go elsewhere when they’ve got a cracker at home. Oops, sorry, my darling.’ He waved the electric carving knife towards Bella, and even though she was a fair distance away, she flinched.