‘Well, it was until five minutes ago.’
‘No, I mean earlier, after you’d been to the park. You looked kind of sad.’
‘If you must know, I’d just told my mother-in-law I want a divorce.’
‘You’re divorcing your mother-in-law?’
I turned to look at him and saw his eyes were glinting. ‘No, of course not, although I would if I could. It turns out my spineless husband has moved back in with his parents but not thought to let me know.’
‘You didn’t speak to him?’
‘No, he was out playing golf.’
Seb grimaced. ‘He sounds like a real catch.’
‘I’m sure he could make someone very happy, but that person will never be me. I’ve realised that since we came to stay at Lowen Farm. We were only together for Bertie.’
‘How will Bertie take the news?’
‘I’ve no idea. I don’t even know where to start with divorce, but I’ll never stop Rob seeing Bertie, whatever happens. Are you nearly done freeing my hair of poop?’
‘Yeah, there’s still some in there, but it will take half a bottle of shampoo to get rid of it. In the meantime, how about we get some fish and chips? And Liv?’
‘Yes.’
‘I’m here for you and will help you in any way I can.’
‘Thank you.’ I reached across and squeezed Seb’s hand. His thumb stroked my palm, and it was only when a seagull dive-bombed us that we pulled away.
Chapter Twenty-Five
‘How was it?’
When I walked into the kitchen, Harry was on her hands and knees laying mouse traps. ‘Good, although I’m not sure Beryl trusts me. She still hasn’t left me alone in the shop and I’ve been there for weeks now.’
Harry looked at me and laughed. ‘You don’t think she’s going to be in her flat watching TV with her feet up, do you?’
‘She said her joints were playing up and she needed a rest when she employed me.’
Harry laughed again. ‘A rest from the work, maybe, not a rest from the gossip. She’ll be there with you every day, mark my words. Beryl prides herself on knowing everything about everyone. She wouldn’t risk missing out on any tidbits of information. She’s all right, just watch what you say around her.’
‘I think it’s too late for that. MI5 missed a trick. She would have made an excellent spy with her cuddly old lady act. She had me spilling my life story in under five minutes. Anyway, how are the preparations going?’
‘Great. Maggie’s made a hundred cupcakes and Stephan is currently in the lounge blowing up balloons.’
‘What would you like me to do?’
‘I thought we could lay an Easter egg hunt through the woods. Seb’s going to make a start after lunch. Could you help him?’
‘Sure. What’s the prize?’
‘The winner gets to name and adopt one of the lambs. Obviously it will stay here, but their prize will include visiting rights.’
‘That’s a lovely idea, but what will happen when the time comes for the lamb to… you know… end up as someone’s roast dinner?’
‘We’ll keep the winning lamb as a breeder. That way, it will avoid a sticky end.’
‘I see you’ve thought of everything. Where’s Seb?’
