She answered the phone with a gruff ‘Hello.’
‘Venetia, it’s me, Ronnie. I’ve just heard the terrible news. I’m so very sorry.’
Venetia was stunned. ‘How?’ she said. ‘How have you heard?’
‘Cassie sent me a message. She thought you might need, well, you know, a friend to talk to.’
For a moment she couldn’t speak, so touched was she by Cassie’s thoughtfulness, Ronnie’s too.
‘You still there, Venetia?’
She forced the words out. ‘Cassie shouldn’t have bothered you when you have so much going on there with your hotel.’
‘Quit all that nonsense!’ he said hotly. ‘I know how much that little dog meant to you and that means more to me than dealing with a bunch of useless lawyers and accountants here. Is there anything I can do?’
‘That’s very sweet of you, but there’s nothing anyone can do. I just need to pull myself together. And don’t you dare say otherwise or I’ll start blubbing again, and I’ve done quite enough of that already.’
‘Is this the bit when I say, that’s the spirit old girl, stiff upper lip and best foot forward and other assorted phrases designed to buck one up?’
She had to smile at that. ‘Maybe not. But I do appreciate you taking the time to call me.’
‘Look, here’s a suggestion you might like to mull over. Why don’t you hop on a plane and come here for a break? Getting away for a few days might help. Give you something else to think about. A change of scene and all that. I can’t guarantee the weather will be that good, but I’ll wager it’s better than Cambridge right now. What do you say?’
‘I think that’s a lovely thought on your part, but I’d rather stay here. I don’t think I’d be very good company right now.’
‘Okay, I shan’t press you, but if you change your mind, you only have to give me a call. Promise?’
‘Yes,’ she said.
‘Did you have your fingers crossed behind your back as you said that?’
‘Are you accusing me of lying?’
‘Damned straight I am!’
Again, she smiled. ‘Thank you,’ she said.
‘What for?’
‘For doing the impossible, making me feel slightly better.’
‘In that case, I’ll give you another tinkle tomorrow.’
No sooner had she said goodbye to Ronnie than there was a ring at the doorbell. Dreading yet another neighbour bearing flowers and condolences, she was tempted to ignore whoever it was, but good manners forbad her from being so rude.
When she opened the door, it was the last person on earth she wanted to see standing in front of her.
‘Can I come in?’ asked Rosalyn.
‘No,’ Venetia said, holding the door firmly in place. ‘I’m not at home to visitors.’
The young woman frowned. ‘What do you mean? You are at home. You’re standing right in front of me.’
‘I mean,’ said Venetia very slowly as though she were dealing with a very stupid child, ‘I don’t want to see anyone right now.’
‘Oh. Well. I get that. But I just wanted to say, you know, I’m sorry about your dog.’
‘I don’t want your apology. And if you want to apologise to anyone, say sorry to Emily. You were wrong to blame her for what your son did. He’s your responsibility, not Emily’s.’
