‘But it’s having a negative effect on my behaviour and on my ability to function, and I don’t believe that I can correct the situation whilst living at this address.’

‘Oh don’t be so melodramatically clinical,’ I tutted. ‘You can fix all this with a simple conversation. After that, if Kerry doesn’t feel the same way, you go out with friends and drink far too much, and then come home and eat far too much, and then you rinse and repeat until you feel better.’

‘And in the meantime, I will have caused Kerry deep embarrassment and be thought of forever thereafter as the creepy chap next door,’ he said. ‘I simply don’t feel comfortable about approaching a woman who is currently in a caring relationship with a man who is building her a new kitchen. Kerry has lost her husband and has a young son to care for. She does not need some stuttering fool rocking the boat when things are going well for her.’

‘But the whole point, Giles, is that you do not have the first idea how things are going for her!’ I exclaimed exasperatedly. ‘She could be sitting just feet from us, sobbing into her cornflakes because she adores a neighbour whom she thinks has issues with her loungewear! Or yes – maybe she would rather just keep you as a friend. I don’t know. But neither… do… you,’ I concluded, prodding his arm to drive the point home. ‘Talk to her.’

‘No.’

‘Then I will.’

‘No.’

‘Yes, I will.’

He pointed a finger at me. ‘Edith Whitmore, I am serious now,’ he said, looking appropriately stern. ‘Promise me that you will not mention one word of this matter to Kerry.’

‘Let me just explain to you exactly what I’d say to her…’

‘No,’ he said flatly. ‘Now, please promise me that you will not.’

I heaved a sigh. ‘OK, if you insist. But how do you feel about me asking Nicky? I wouldn’t mention your name, obviously, I would just ask her whether Cameron and Kerry—’

‘I don’t want you to mention anything to Nicola, either.’

‘Giles…’

‘Edith.’

My shoulders sagged. ‘Oh, all right. But don’t be afraid to change your mind about this when you’ve had a chance to think. A little digging would be so much more sensible and straightforward than moving out for six months.’

‘But you’re not going to dig with either Kerry or Nicola?’

‘I’ve said I won’t, haven’t I?’

His frame visibly relaxed. ‘Thank you.’

‘For what?’ I exclaimed. ‘You won’t let me do anything!’

‘For listening,’ he said. ‘And for understanding. A little bit.’

I leaned towards him, giving him a hug. ‘Don’t mention it,’ I said, patting his back. ‘It’s been a long time coming, but it was definitely my turn to listen.’

Chapter 30