Summer House Read Online Free PDF Page A

meat.

    He came to peer over her shoulder. ‘Cheese,’ he muttered. She added it to the list.
    â€˜Jolly nice supper last night,’ she said.
    Milo raised his chin and pursed his lips, as though acknowledging the compliment, and Lottie began to chuckle.
    â€˜Honestly, though,’ she said. ‘Poor Venetia. She was longing to be asked to stay the night. Matt thought it was so unkind of you to send her off all on her own in the dark.’
    Milo had his back to her, making the coffee, but he hunched a shoulder defensively and Lottie laughed aloud. Venetia had enjoyed her evening; she adored Matt and when supper was over she’d hovered reluctantly, clearly hoping for an invitation to stay on.
    â€˜Whatever is the time?’ she’d asked, peering at her tiny wristwatch. ‘It’s been such a lovely evening. Goodness, is it that late?’
    â€˜Not late at all,’ Milo had answered bracingly, finding her coat and helping her unwilling arms into its sleeves. ‘Home in no time.’
    He’d gone out with her to the car. Matt had watched the little scene, clearly feeling rather sorry for Venetia.
    â€˜Will she be all right driving round the lanes?’ he’d asked rather diffidently. ‘She drank quite a bit, didn’t she?’
    â€˜Not that much, and we have to be a bit tough,’ she’d defended Milo. ‘Venetia’s here quite a lot since Bunny died.’
    Matt frowned. ‘It’s odd really, given that they’ve been … well, so close.’ She’d noticed with amusement that he’d balked at the word ‘lovers’. ‘After all, Milo’s been so good to all of us. He’s such a pussycat.’ A little pause. ‘Isn’t he?’ he’d added doubtfully.

    â€˜Pussycats don’t get to be brigadiers,’ she’d answered lightly.
    Now, Milo put some coffee beside her notepad and sat at the end of the table. There was silence for a while. Milo poured a second cup of coffee.
    â€˜The boy’s looking well,’ he observed.
    Lottie, who had reverted to the crossword, laid down her pencil. She’d had the oddest impression that when Matt had come into the house last evening he hadn’t been alone. So strong had the sensation been that she’d looked past him as they’d embraced, peering over his shoulder, so that he’d glanced behind him, saying, ‘What is it?’ and she’d been obliged to cover her confusion by making some foolish observation about Pud running out into the garden. It was almost as if the spirit alter ego that Matt had given his fictional protagonist had become a reality.
    â€˜He does look well,’ she answered now. ‘I half expected him to be all gaunt and anxious but he looks great. I’ll ask him if he wants to come into Porlock with me. We could go and see Imogen and Rosie.’
    â€˜Bring them back to lunch,’ suggested Milo. ‘Have they found anywhere to live yet?’
    Lottie shook her head. ‘They’d like to be near Simonsbath but even very small cottages are quite expensive within the National Park. Im’s hoping to have a garden because of Rosie, but there’s not much around at the moment. They’d get better value for their money in the towns, of course – Minehead or Barnstaple – but Im keeps hoping for a miracle.’
    â€˜I was wondering about the Summer House. I told you the Moretons are going out on Lady Day. Moving back up country to be nearer to their children and grandchildren. ’

    Lottie looked surprised. ‘D’you mean they could rent it for a while? Well, I suppose they could. Im would be thrilled; she’s always adored the Summer House, it’s such a pretty little house, but I think they want to buy.’
    â€˜I know they do. But why shouldn’t they buy the Summer House?’
    â€˜Are you crazy? Firstly, they couldn’t possibly afford it, and