Nancy was surprised at the audaciousness of the question. A hush rang out over the group. Nancy paused for a moment before answering. ‘It was an accident. A lorry went into the side of the car. Killed him outright.’
‘Oh. That’s awful.’
‘Yes, it was. And I got a payout from the haulage firm – two million pounds.’
‘I don’t think we need talk about that,’ said Carol awkwardly.
Lorna’s jaw had dropped. ‘That’s some payout.’
‘Sam was insured for a sum too.’
‘Good God.’
‘That’s how I was able to buy Willow Barn. Is there anything else you need to know?’ Nancy looked Lorna straight in the eye.
‘I didn’t mean...’
‘Course you didn’t,’ said Beth, her nose in her wine glass.
‘I’m so terribly sorry. Must have been awful. Well, of course it was...I mean, I feel for you so much, such a terrible—’
‘Burgers are ready, ladies,’ said Simon, coming over with a plate piled high with chargrilled meat.
Despite the unbelievable nosiness of Lorna’s questioning, it had felt good for Nancy to say what she had. Cathartic. Though she loved her new home there had been guilt that it had come off the back of Sam’s death. But the way they were living now – that was what he would have wanted. Admitting it had given her a new strength. And boy, did she need it. She had lost Sam and, once, had almost lost Lara. It made her feel quite vulnerable. And protective. Very, very protective.
As the others selected their food, Lorna was swept away by what she’d learned. All Nancy’s worries had been taken away in one fell swoop – well, the financial ones anyway,she hastily corrected. Nancy had been able to buy a beautiful house and could send her child to the best fee-paying school if she so wanted.
Imagine.
19 September
RIPTON PRIMARY, YEAR 6
Hannah Chapman, Jakob’s mum
I’ve had another two sheep die on the farm. Another dog attack. It’s devastating, as you can see in the pic. Please, if any of you hear anything, can you let me know? 18:22
Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum
Sorry for your loss, Hannah, but in future, please could you not post the picture? It’s quite graphic and I wouldn’t want Pepper to get hold of my phone and see that. 18:23
Hannah Chapman, Jakob’s mum
Well keep your phone away from her then. 18:23
Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum
I can understand you’re upset but no need to take it out on me. I obvs do keep my phone away but she’s so bright and curious it’s impossible to stop her inquisitive mind 100% 18:24
Erin Mackie, Tilly’s mum
Has Nancy got a dog? 18:25
Imogen Wood, Rosie’s mum
Not as far as I know. Why? 18:26
Erin Mackie, Tilly’s mum
