She hesitated, then held up the letter. ‘I wouldn’t normally bother a guest, and you can tell me to bugger off, but… I just wondered if you could have a quick look at something for me. Not now, but soon…’
‘It’ll cost you.’ He smiled and took the letter, reading it slowly.
After a few seconds he said, ‘Firstly, I’m so sorry for your loss.’
‘Thank you. It’s been a few months now, so…’
He looked up, his expression kind. ‘So what? You’ve covered it well, my dear. And kudos to you for running this retreat so superbly.’
Rita felt a small warmth inside.
‘Do you mind if I ask?’ Michael said, folding the letter carefully. ‘Is the farmhouse in your name now?’
‘It was always in both our names, but I haven’t changed it to mine alone yet. I thought maybe that happened automatically.’
Michael shook his head. ‘Then this letter is nonsense. Empty posturing.’
Rita let out a breath she hadn’t realised she was holding.
‘I thought so. But it rattled me. Thom, that’s my son, he’s always been hungry for more. Even as a kid. Wanted the biggest slice of cake, had the loudest voice at the table.’
Michael handed back the letter. ‘He may rattle, but he can’t bite, not legally. The house is yours. And unless there are significant assets solely in your husband’s name, there may be nothing left for him to claim once the bills are paid. Is there a will?’
Rita swallowed. ‘That’s the worst part, Michael. The solicitor who was supposed to be holding the will… they’ve lost it. We can’t find it anywhere.’
Michael’s face darkened. ‘Lost it? That’s not just careless, that’s ridiculous. It’s actually breaking the law. A will can’t just disappear like that without serious consequences. You need to get to the bottom of this immediately.’
Rita nodded, feeling the knot tighten in her chest.
‘So, does that mean Thom might have a case?’ she asked quietly.
‘Potentially,’ Michael said slowly, with a grimace. ‘If he feels he’s been unfairly treated, he could make a claim against the estate, or even against you, depending on the assets. The law allows children to challenge a will, but it’s not automatic. He’d have to prove his case. But with the will missing, things get more complicated.’
‘Even if the house is in my name?’
‘Correct. Ownership is important, but courts look at the entire estate’s fairness. He might still try.’
Rita stood up. ‘Therehas to bea solution. And I’m so sorry for disturbing your peace, Michael. You came here to escape the world, and I’ve dragged you into mine.’ She smiled weakly. ‘But you’ve helped me so much.’
Michael smiled back. ‘That’s what I’m realising it’s all about. It’s notThe Michael Stone Show. This place is magical, really is. And Hardy was a great writer. Someone I might never have discovered without you.’
He raised his arm dramatically. ‘And I quote: “Happiness was but the occasional episode in a general drama of pain.”’
Rita smiled. ‘Look at you, getting all literary.’
She tucked the letter back in the envelope. ‘Yes, we have to cling to the good bits. I’m slowly learning that too.’
At that moment, Annie appeared in a vibrant red kaftan, her hair wrapped in a flowery turban.
‘Ooh, whose good bits have I permission to cling on to?’ She winked at Michael, who flushed slightly. He laughed and shook his head at her vivaciousness.
He stood. ‘This too shall pass, dear Rita. And if you need anything else whilst I’m here, please ask. But what you need to do, pronto, is find that blessed will and hold that irresponsible solicitor accountable.’
‘Thank you.’ Rita swallowed hard and fingered the recent tree note in her pocket. Maybe itwastime to start looking.
THIRTY-SIX
Rita was strolling back down the High Meadow towards the farmhouse when her mobile rang. Delighted that it was Sennen, she answered immediately.
