‘Ooh – sounds like you touched a nerve there. Maybe there’s a body in one of them trunks or something!’

I was taken aback. I wondered if I should go round and explain – I only wanted to help, not poke around her things. Kenny had obviously seen my expression. He came down the ladder.

‘Don’t take any notice. They can be funny, old folk. Maybe something in there from the past that she doesn’t want to think about, eh? I should let her be if I were you; she’ll come round.’

He was right, of course. I made myself busy doing some housework, and after lunch, chained myself to the laptop with my book and a highlighter pen once more. There was a knock at the front door.

‘I’ve come to apologise.’ It was Mrs Barley. She looked uncomfortable. ‘I shouldn’t have barked at you like that – it’s just, well, there’s a lot up there belonging to Frank, you see. I’ve never felt able to sort through everything – I know I should, but I can’t bear to part with any of it. I’m sure you understand …’

I felt relieved. I didn’t want to fall out with my neighbour, and her words earlier had left me feeling quite miserable. She’d been so kind since we moved in – and particularly as she had been so generous, helping out with paying for the work being done, I didn’t want there to be an atmosphere between us. Especially not with us living so close.

‘’Course I do. I had to sort out my aunt’s house after she died and it was quite upsetting. Stirs up a lot of memories.’ I paused. ‘I just wanted to help, you know. I wasn’t being nosy or anything.’

‘No, I know. Ignore me. I’m a silly old fossil sometimes. Comes of being on my own so much, I suppose. Come and have a cup of tea with me – we can sit in the summer house. I’ve just baked some scones.’

I joined Mrs Barley in the summer house that she loved so much. The air smelled slightly musty and damp. I looked around. The walls had been decorated with twigs arranged in unusual geometric patterns. Above the full width of the doorframe hung a knobbly branch. Following my gaze, the old woman rose and tapped the thing.

‘A rowan bough,’ she declared. ‘Bestows blessings on any dwelling.’

I nodded but said nothing. She was entitled to her beliefs, but thinking a twisted piece of wood was capable of protecting anything or anyone seemed a little far-fetched.