Taking the coffee pot and milk over to the small table by the sofa under the window, she sits down. There’s a wood burner, which I hadn’t bothered to light earlier, but even without it, the sofa is soft and it’s the cosiest corner of this house. I pour the coffee and pass her a mug before sitting next to her with mine. ‘Now, tell me what’s happened.’

As she starts to talk, what little composure she’s managed to muster evaporates. ‘James will kill me if he knows I’ve talked to you.’ Her voice cracks.

‘James doesn’t need to find out,’ I tell her firmly.

Mopping her face, she sighs shakily. ‘We’re in trouble, Elise. I mean James is, but it affects both of us. He’s massively in debt. The mortgage is in arrears – I only found out yesterday. Unless a miracle happens, I think we’re going to lose the house.’

I listen, horrified, as the words pour out of her, thinking how desperately unfair it seems that after losing Hollie, they’re now faced with this. ‘Have you spoken to the bank? They might give you some time – especially if they know you’ve just lost Hollie. They can’t repossess it overnight.’

She shakes her head, blinking away her tears. ‘It’s hardly overnight. This has been going on for a year. You know how I said I thought James was hiding something from me? I should have listened to my instincts. But I’m never there when the post arrives and emails always go straight to him … It was irresponsible of me, but I’ve never thought anything of it. Now, of course, I feel completely stupid for trusting him, but I’ve never had any reason not to. Anyway, it’s too late. I’ve no idea what we’re going to do.’ There’s despair in her voice as she wipes her face again. ‘We’re going to lose everything.’

I’m puzzled. ‘But you have your salon … And what about the books he’s written? Surely they must make some money?’

‘They do. It used to be enough.’ Her voice shakes. ‘But not now.’

Something in her voice makes me frown. ‘What’s changed?’ I watch her closely, convinced there’s something she isn’t saying.

For a moment, she doesn’t speak. Then she sighs heavily. ‘James invested in a business and he owes them money.’

I frown at her. ‘So why doesn’t he sell?’