‘Yes, I think you did mention it. Best of luck to the chap – he’ll need it.’

Sylvia looked deflated. I smiled to myself and gave a mental air punch.

*

They left around mid-morning the following day. After helping them to load the car, we were assembled on our front step about to wave them off, when we heard the rattle of a chain and Mrs Barley’s door opened. She looked pleased to see us all.

‘Hello, you must be Jack’s parents. I’m Virginia Barley. Lovely to meet you at last.’

Harry smiled and went across to shake her by the hand. ‘We’ve heard a lot about you, Mrs Barley. I believe we have you to thank for our delicious dinner last night. Jack and Stina were saying how wonderful you’ve been. We’re very grateful – I wish we could do more, but we’re so far away now it’s impossible …’

‘Oh, it’s nothing. I like to help. It’s been lovely having this pair next door – and now little Elodie, too.’

‘Yes, she’s just beautiful,’ chimed in Sylvia. ‘Don’t go getting too attached though – our Jack’s a high-flyer. They’ll probably be moving on to bigger and better things soon enough.’ She gave her annoying laugh again, but her eyes were cold as she looked the old woman up and down.

I felt angered by her lack of sensitivity and had to bite my tongue.

Mrs Barley smiled sweetly. ‘Ah well, I’ll have to make the most of them while they’re around, then!’ She peered at Sylvia’s arm and bent forward suddenly. ‘Oh, just a second; you have a loose thread on your sleeve. Let me catch it for you before it pulls.’ She disappeared into her hallway for a moment, then returned with a pair of nail scissors, and gave a sharp snip at the offending strand of cotton. Stepping back, she beamed. ‘There, that’s better. It would be a shame to spoil such a lovely coat.’

Sylvia smiled tightly and mumbled a begrudging thank you.

‘Have a safe journey, both of you.’

Our neighbour went back into her house.

Harry turned to his wife in disbelief. ‘What on earth did you say that for? These two are probably the best thing that’s happened to the old dear for years. She won’t want to think they’re going to up sticks and leave when they’ve only been here five minutes.’

‘Oh, Harry, I was just making conversation. Besides, it’s true – she shouldn’t get too used to them being around. It’ll only be an upheaval for her when they move on.’

‘If we move on,’ interrupted Jack. ‘And we’ve no plans to go anywhere for some time. Avoncote is the perfect place for Elodie to grow up in and we love it.’