‘I’m a friend of Carrie’s who’s now with Guy who…’
‘Yes, yes, yes, I know who Carrie is and what Guy does. I may look old, but I’m not completely senile. Is she here, Carrie?’
‘Gone to look for you, I think.’
He looked vaguely pleased and then adopted a sterner expression.
‘Checking up on me, seeing whether I’ve eaten my lunch or fallen flat on my face again.’
He pointed to a bruise on the side of his head.
‘Fell down the steps. You’d think after living here all these years I’d know better.’
‘It happens to the best of us.’
‘Can’t let my son know. He’ll have me out of here.’
‘I won’t tell.’
Jules crossed her arms over her chest.
‘Anyway, I’m a nurse and you look pretty hale and hearty to me.’
He glanced behind her and then back at his stick.
‘Can’t climb that tree any more though. Used to scramble up it years ago.’
Jules glanced up at the large oak tree.
‘Really? I don’t think I’d ever have been able to climb it.’
‘Used to have a treehouse halfway up. Just squirrels living there now.’
‘Red ones?’
‘Of course.’
‘I’d love to see a red squirrel.’
‘You have to keep your eyes peeled and stop talking. They’re very shy. If you sit there for long enough you might spot one.’
‘I will, if you don’t mind. You have a very beautiful garden for sitting in.’
‘My wife’s work. We’re making a few changes but nothing major. I wanted it to stay exactly the same, but Carrie and Guy have made me realise that gardens need to evolve.
‘Carrie’s certainly evolved since she came here.’
‘I’ll venture to find her,’ he said, turning on his heel, ‘and reassure her that I’m still breathing.’
‘She’ll be very pleased,’ Jules said.
‘Huh! One of the few who is! Are you staying at the cottage?’
She nodded.
‘That has a pretty garden, but if you need more space, you’re welcome to come over here at any time. If the main gates are closed, you can walk up the holloway into the woods and come through a small gate at the back. Don’t mind bats, do you?’
‘Um, no, I don’t think so.’
