‘I haven’t lifted anything particularly heavy; I just make things appear heavy because I’m so very unfit.’ He tilted his head upwards and stroked his neck. ‘Do you know, I was horrified to spot the unmistakable beginnings of a double chin this morning. A double chin! At my age! My father didn’t get one of those until he was sixty. I’m thinking of hiring a personal trainer.’

I gave him a playful shove. ‘You are not.’

‘You see,’ he winced, rubbing his shoulder, ‘I could never muster anywhere near the upper body strength which you have just exhibited. And besides, Tubby’s passing has given me much food for thought regarding my eating, drinking and couch-potato tendencies.’

‘You’re seriously going to hire a personal trainer?’

‘Well, I’ve got to do something,’ he said. ‘I may be thirty-six, but this body looks well on its way to fifty. Look at all this excess flesh,’ he continued, pulling at his cheeks. ‘My early-morning look is that of a man whose face has been kneaded by a crazed baker.’

I was about to shove him again but stopped myself.

‘Well, I always think you look great,’ I said. ‘Not that I want to put you off getting fit, but you certainly have nothing to worry about in the looks department: thick hair; bright eyes; great teeth.’

He held up a hand. ‘I know you’re trying to help, Edie, but you are simply describing the characteristics of an averagely healthy dog, so best stop there. Now, let me take this,’ he said, reaching for the crate of shoes. ‘It’s a tiny step on the long road to fitness.’

He picked up the crate with a grunt and, hunching slightly, made his way to the end of the van before stepping out and disappearing from view. I looked around at the dwindling number of boxes and bags, picked up the jumpers and some books, and then followed.

I emerged into the warm July sunshine of the avenue to discover that Giles had made very little progress and was now chatting with Kerry at the foot of her path, a sheepish-looking Harry at her side.

‘So you see,’ Giles was saying, ‘it’s entirely my fault. I saw him and I said, “Harry, would you like to come into my house for some biscuits?” He really didn’t want to, but I insisted.’

I frowned, slightly concerned at the picture Giles was painting of himself as a man who attempted to lure small children into his home on the promise of baked goods, and who wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Kerry turned as I approached, her face transforming from stern to warmly welcoming in a flash. ‘Edie!’ she exclaimed. ‘I thought you were indoors. Great to see you again. And you’re moving in! Brilliant.’

I smiled and put down my bag of jumpers. ‘Yes, poor Giles has been exhausting himself helping me.’