‘No. I don’t believe there is any.’
‘Surely, they must have something on their books? They can’t leave you homeless.’
‘They’ve got to check the landlord’s insurance policy, apparently.’
‘How long will that take?’
‘No idea. So, can I stay here?’ Beth saw Dulcie and Otto exchange glances. Clearly having her stay with them, wasn’t at the top of their wish list.
‘Of course you can,’ Dulcie said.
‘My stuff will be okay in the barn, won’t it?’
‘It will, Beth,’ Otto said. ‘I’m sure I’ve got something to cover it over. Do you want a hand bringing anything in?’
‘In a minute. I’ll eat my cake first.’ Her appetite was coming back. Dulcie wasn’t as put out as Beth had feared. Mind you, Dulcie didn’t know the whole story yet.
‘Where are you moving to, Mum? I’m assuming it’s somewhere smaller.’
‘It definitely is.’
‘Good for you. I’ve been saying for ages that the house is too big for you. Is that why you were having a clear out?’
Beth nodded, her mouth full of cake. She hoped she didn’t look as shifty as she felt.
‘Is your new house in Bournville?’
Beth inhaled sharply and a crumb went down the wrong way. Coughing until she was all hot and bothered, it took her a moment to catch her breath. When she had, Dulcie was still looking at her expectantly.
‘Not exactly. It’s in Picklewick,’ Beth mumbled.
Dulcie was silent. Eventually she said,‘Where?’
‘Picklewick.’
‘That’s what I thought you said. The house you’re renting is inPicklewick?’
‘Yes.’
‘Why?’
‘I would have thought that was obvious. You’re all here – except Jay. I miss you.’
‘And you were supposed to be moving in today?’
‘Yes.’
‘When were you planning on telling us?’ Dulcie’s tone was frostier than the inside of a freezer.
‘Today. This evening. When Nikki got home from school. I was going to ask if you’d like to pop in and see me.’
‘You didn’t think to mention it before now?’
‘The time didn’t seem right.’
‘And you thinknowis the right time?’
‘It wasn’t supposed to happen like this.’
