‘The houses on either side of this, Mr Jordan – are they sold?’ Emily asked.

‘No, not yet, although I believe a couple – a very nice couple, with two children – are going to buy number forty-five – that’s the house to the east – if the sale of their house goes through.’ He crossed his fingers.

‘Children?’ Jason said, dubiously. ‘What age?’

The agent smiled. ‘I know what you’re thinking; what a nightmare when you’re trying to paint, having screaming children next door. I don’t think you need to worry – they are twelve and fourteen. We’ve not had any couples with young, screaming children looking at any of the properties so far. And there’s quite an elderly couple, retired, who are very interested in number forty-nine. They’re moving down from Yorkshire to be closer to their daughter, who lives just outside Lewes.’

‘How many other people are living on the estate at present?’ Emily asked.

‘Well…’ he hesitated, smiling uncomfortably. ‘At this moment, there’s just the very nice couple diagonally opposite – they’ve been here a month or so now – and there’s a family due to move in opposite you, in number thirty-four, soon. Elsewhere, no one at the moment. But the properties are selling like hot cakes – it’s just such a fine development; so near to Brighton and to Lewes, close to rail links to London – just fifty minutes on the Brighton line. And surrounded by beautiful countryside. This is a very special position – quite unique.’

Jordan glanced at his watch again. ‘Look, I’m very sorry, but I have another couple arriving for a viewing. If you’d like to have a think about it and come back to me, we can always book a further appointment. But I do have to warn you, we have so much interest in this property – indeed in the whole estate. We’ve already sold over half the properties off-plan, and this one, which is the real jewel in the crown, is not going to be on the market for long, I can tell you. And of course, I can help you with a mortgage, should you require. But I really would advise you, if you are interested, to move quickly. The couple I’m waiting for now are coming for their second viewing, and I’m told they don’t have any property to sell – they are cash buyers.’

‘We’ll take it,’ Jason said decisively, rinsing his hands then soaping them once again. ‘We’ll pay the full asking price.’ He looked at his wife, who nodded.

Jordan beamed. ‘Well! What can I say? I don’t think it is a decision you could ever possibly regret. This is the finest house in the best property development I’ve ever been privileged to handle – and I’ve handled many, I can tell you. The location, the sheer build quality. The views. You could not have a better investment!’

‘So, what do you need from us to take it off the market, immediately, this minute?’ Jason Danes asked. ‘We’re cash buyers, too. We sold our previous home and we’re currently renting, and we don’t need a mortgage.’