‘How are you?’ he said at last.

‘Good, I think,’ said Maria. ‘I don’t know. How are you?’

‘Good. Lovely place, isn’t it?’

‘So nice. Very nice.’

There was a silence again.

‘You live here?’ she said.

‘Where?’

‘This place. This… area.’

‘No,’ said Michael. ‘I’m passing through.’

‘Like me.’

‘Yes.’

He tried to relax, for it occurred to him now that he might have been wrong. She hadn’t recognised him, and what he’d taken for fear might have been nothing of the sort. They hadn’t actually made eye contact on either the train or the bus – and they certainly hadn’t spoken. She had been so busy with her tablet and maps, so why on earth should she have noticed him? She had spoken because it would have been rude not to.

‘What are you planning?’ he said. ‘You look as if you’re off somewhere.’

‘Where?’

‘Pardon?’

They stared at each other, and he wondered if she had misheard.

‘No,’ said Michael. ‘Sorry… I was asking where you’re heading. You look like you’re planning a walk.’

‘Tomorrow, yes. I’m going to Higher Lee Ridge.’

‘Very good. Lovely.’

‘I hope so.’

She looked at the map again, and stretched her thumb and finger over it.

‘Seven miles, I think,’ she said. ‘Seven miles back too, so… early start.’

There was a vacant chair tight against the wall, and Michael was close to it. She noticed it too.

‘Can I see?’ he said, nodding at the map. ‘Can I join you for a second?’

‘Of course.’

‘I don’t want to intrude,’ he said. ‘You’re probably with friends.’

‘No, sit down,’ said Maria. ‘Please. I’ll make a space for you.’

‘Don’t worry, no – I can squeeze in there. Are you sure? You’re probably enjoying a bit of peace and quiet.’

‘No, please – you’re welcome.’

She laughed, and Michael eased himself into the seat opposite hers. She drew the table back slightly, and he tried to sit in a position that suggested he was about to get up and leave. He would leave, too – as soon as he’d glanced at the map, he’d find an excuse. She would have headphones somewhere, and be yearning to use them.

‘Higher Lee Ridge,’ he said. ‘What time are you heading off?’

‘Oh, eight o’clock. Maybe half-past seven – I don’t know.’

She was unfolding a leaflet.

‘Have you looked at the weather forecast?’ he said.

‘No. You think I should?’

‘I don’t know. Always wise.’

‘Maybe it will rain.’

‘It’s bound to, isn’t it? This is England.’

She laughed again, and shuddered. ‘No,’ she said. ‘I don’t want to look at the weather forecast. If it snows, it snows. I have waterproofs.’

‘You’re very determined, then. That’s good – you’re serious.’

‘What?’

‘About your walking. You’re serious.’