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walked to the window and leaned on the sill. Over to the left she could see the church set in its grounds, while immediately opposite, at the end of a long, rambling garden, was the handsome stone house they’d assumed to be the vicarage. Nearer the wall, about a third of the way down the garden, an overgrown summerhouse nestled against the hedge.
    â€˜There’s a clock radio by the bed,’ Nuala was saying, ‘and if you’d like television, you could borrow the small portable from the kitchen.’
    â€˜I think I can manage two nights a week without one,’ Rona smiled, turning from the window. ‘I spend most evenings working, anyway. What would be useful, though, would be a small table for my laptop and an upright chair, if that’s possible.’
    â€˜Of course – no problem.’
    â€˜Well, if you’re prepared to take me on, I’d be more than happy to come.’
    â€˜We haven’t mentioned finances,’ Nuala began tentatively, ‘but I’ve not really had time to—’
    â€˜If it would help, I could pay for the whole week,’ Rona offered, and as Nuala started to protest, she went on quickly, ‘You’ll be holding it for me even when I’m not here, which means you can’t let it to anyone else.’
    â€˜I wouldn’t even consider it,’ Nuala said firmly. ‘As I said, this is a new venture, and no one’s likely to be queuing up.’
    â€˜If you’re sure then. Incidentally, will it be bed and breakfast, or would an evening meal be available? If not, it doesn’t matter; I’m sure I could eat at the pub.’
    Nuala lifted her shoulders helplessly. ‘Again, this has all happened so quickly, I’ve not thought it through. But you’d be welcome to eat with us, if that would help?’
    â€˜It’d be fine, if you don’t mind. I don’t want to impose on your family life, but as I said, I’d spend the evenings working in my room so I shouldn’t get in your way. As to your charges, why don’t we leave it till you’ve had a chance to discuss them with someone?’
    Nuala Banks looked relieved. ‘That would be great, thanks. I’ll let you know in a day or two. Have you any idea when we can expect you?’
    Rona glanced at Max. ‘It won’t be this coming week – I’ve a few things to sort out. How about a week on Monday, which will be – what? – the sixteenth? It’ll always be Monday and Tuesday nights that—’
    She broke off as a voice from downstairs called loudly, ‘Mum? There’s a dog tied to the gate. Did you know?’
    They smiled at each other and moved out on to the landing, looking down at the boy who stood with a foot on the bottom stair. He had his mother’s dark hair and eyes and was dressed in some kind of camouflage outfit.
    â€˜Jungle warfare,’ Nuala Banks explained softly. Then, raising her voice, ‘This is Mr and Mrs Allerdyce, Will, and the dog belongs to them. Mrs Allerdyce will be staying with us for a couple of nights a week, though she’ll leave the dog at home. Say hello to her.’
    â€˜Hi,’ the boy said, suddenly shy.
    â€˜Hello, Will. And it’s Rona, if that’s OK?’
    He nodded, standing aside for them as they came downstairs. Rona handed Nuala her card, and it was agreed that the terms should be decided by telephone over the next few days.
    They were halfway down the path when Max turned back to ask about a parking space across the road.
    â€˜Officially there’s one per house, and three set aside for visitors, but not everyone has a car. There shouldn’t be a problem.’
    With the final detail settled, they untied the patently relieved Gus and made their way back to the pub for lunch.
    â€˜Apparently that woman who did the school archives lives in Marsborough,’ Rona said, spearing a rogue tomato.
    â€˜Fate!’ Max