‘I know he is.’
‘Reminds me of my George. He wouldn’t let you down.’
‘No.’
Rita yawned. ‘Anyway, you think about what I’ve said. We oldies do know a thing or two about life.’
‘I will. You’re tired now. I think you should have an early rest.’
‘All of this sitting in a chair doing nothing takes it out of you.’
‘You’re hardly doing nothing. I’m having to fight off people wanting to visit! Socialising can take it out of you, too. Do you want to go back to bed?’
‘No, thank you, dearie. I think I’ll stay here.’
Jules placed the lilies on a side table and went to adjust Rita’s cushions and place a blanket over her lap.
‘Rest is very under-valued. I tell my new mums to rest as much as they can, not race around tidying the house or cookingmeals. So many people have a baby or an illness and try to get back to normal too quickly.’
‘It is a very inconvenient time to be laid up,’ Rita fretted, ‘with harvest taking place.’
‘I think any time in this house would be inconvenient,’ Jules said with a smile.
‘You’re not wrong there,’ Rita said, rubbing her eyes. ‘It’s good for you to go back to the cottage each day and have a break while I take a nap. The cared-for must look out for the carers, too.’
Jules moved the phone so that it was within easy reach. She kissed Rita gently on the cheek.
‘Tasha’s in the kitchen if you need anything and I’ll see you later,’ she said.
By the time she had collected the vase of lilies and closed the door softly behind her Rita already had her eyes closed.
Tasha was standing by the table nibbling on some cheese and biscuits while sorting eggs into boxes.
‘Are you heading back to the cottage?’ she asked.
‘Just for a couple of hours, if that’s all right?’
‘You’re early.’
‘Your granny’s tired today. I think I might have to curb some of her visits and phone calls.’
‘Do you miss the cottage when you’re not there?’
‘Yes. I do.’
‘It’s the sort of house you do miss, isn’t it?’
‘Mmm, I suppose so.’
‘Will you miss it when you’re back in Manchester?’
‘Yes.’
‘And the island, too?’
‘And the island.’
‘And me?’
