Frowning uneasily, she re-entered the pub and almost tripped over Tess Arnott-Rattenbury talking to Angel Sissins, Rea’s old friend. Laurel would have smiled her hellos and moved on but Angel, blonde hair raining around her shoulders, beamed. ‘Hello again! Sorry I didn’t have time to stop when our paths crossed in the village a little while ago. How do you like being home? How’s Rea doing?’

Laurel didn’t want to say she didn’t think of Middledip as ‘home’ and thought instead of Rea trembling bravely as she referred herself for help. ‘OK, but a bit isolated. I expect you know she’s found it tricky to be out and about.’

Angel’s brown eyes darkened with concern. ‘I don’t know much about agoraphobia. Is it OK to visit her? I’ve wanted to suggest it but hate the idea of going to her house and making her uncomfortable.’

Over Angel’s shoulder Laurel could see Grady waiting patiently, idly perusing a menu. ‘I think a cuppa and a chinwag could do her the world of good, but it’s her opinion that counts, not mine. How about texting her first?’

Angel looked pleased. ‘I will, now I know that’s OK.’

Before Laurel could take more than a step Tess delayed her by introducing her to someone called Miranda, who was married to someone who worked for Ratty, knew Rea and had ordered a Christmas wreath from Daisy.

Then, finally, Laurel was able to politely excuse herself to join Grady, who was halfway down his drink. He cocked an eyebrow as she dropped into the seat opposite him. ‘I thought you’d run out on me.’

She downed half her gin and tonic. ‘Sorry. People kept stopping me to talk.’

His eyes crinkled. ‘Welcome back to Middledip.’

She laughed, then sobered, as she remembered that one of those conversations had not been of the friendly chat variety. She got the process of ordering out of the way first – carbonara for him and sea bass for her – before clearing her throat. ‘Um … do you know Pippa’s here?’

He cocked an eyebrow. ‘In the pub? No, but it’s not a massive surprise. She lives in the village.’

Laurel fidgeted, noticing how the fairy lights encrusting the beams above them reflected in Grady’s eyes. ‘Um … I think you ought to know what she said to me.’

Slowly, his smile died. ‘Then please tell me.’

Another swig of gin lubricated her throat. ‘I’m just going to come out and say it. She told me she’s pregnant with your baby.’

Grady’s jaw dropped. For several seconds he seemed genuinely speechless. Then, he half-roared, ‘She told you? Someone she said hello to once but otherwise doesn’t know?’