Page 32 of The Sunrise Sisterhood

Agatha’s shoulders sagged. ‘Dash it.’

‘I keep saying to him, he’ll be retiring soon.’ Camilla leaned towards Liz. ‘What is he going to do all day in this big house, on his own?’

‘Five bedrooms, Elizabeth, five,’ Agatha said in a hushed whisper.

‘I have five too,’ Liz replied. ‘It is completely impractical for one person, but I love it.’

Camilla raised her eyebrows. ‘Both single, both rattling around in big houses.’

‘You two have so much in common,’ Agatha sighed dreamily.

Patrick dropped his head into his hand and groaned. ‘For goodness’ sake, the pair of you! Liz, I apologise again. I feel like one of the Bennet sisters in Pride and Prejudice.’

That made her laugh. ‘I appreciate your concern for me, but I’m not rattling around. In fact, I’ve got a houseful.’

She told them about her god-daughters and baby Ivy and how already there were little handprints all over her glass balcony, but that she didn’t mind in the slightest.

‘How lovely,’ Camilla sighed wistfully. ‘The young are so invigorating.’

‘Perhaps you could do afternoon tea for us at your house next time?’ Agatha’s eyes were bright.

‘Well, I—’ Liz looked at Patrick for help. She didn’t entertain at home. At least not for clients. The last time she and Jen had done anything like that it had been at university, when everyone had had to bring their own cutlery because their student kitchen was so poorly equipped.

‘Excellent idea.’ Camilla nodded as if to seal the deal. ‘Patrick will drive us. No problem.’

The ferry crossing only took ten minutes. But the journey by land took about forty because of the circuitous route via Kingsbridge to cross the estuary. ‘Oh yes, got nothing else to do.’ Patrick winked at Liz.

‘That’s settled then.’ Camilla and her sister exchanged smug looks.

‘Now, hold on,’ Patrick shifted uneasily in his seat. ‘We couldn’t impose. Especially as Liz has house guests.’

Why not, thought Liz, the ladies would get the change of scenery they craved and Patrick would have help getting them in and out of the car. It might be fun, and she was sure Skye and Clare wouldn’t mind. ‘You’d be most welcome. I think it’s a lovely idea.’

‘Really?’ Patrick looked delighted. ‘If you’re sure?’

She nodded. ‘I’m sure.’

‘Fantastic,’ he beamed at her, his blue eyes crinkling at the corners. ‘We’d pay you of course.’

‘And we’d get to see a baby – imagine that, Camilla!’ said Agatha, reaching for her sister’s hand.

‘Heaven.’ Camilla dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief.

The pleasure on the old ladies’ faces melted Liz’s heart. They settled on a date and she left them to finish their cakes in peace and retreated to the kitchen.

Half an hour later, she was ready to leave. She said goodbye to the twins and accepted Patrick’s offer of walking her down the hill to the ferry.

They strolled side by side companionably for a few minutes, Patrick insisting on carrying the wicker basket.

‘Thank you,’ he said as they drew close to the ferry landing, where a handful of people and a couple of dogs were already queuing. ‘It has been absolutely wonderful as always.’

‘You’re most welcome.’ Liz nodded towards the approaching ferry. ‘And we’ve arrived in perfect time too.’

She gestured to take the basket from him, but he held on to it, causing her fingers to close over his.

‘Liz.’ His tone made her glance at up at him. ‘I don’t often say this, but my mother was right. Forty years does seem a long time to be in love with someone who doesn’t feel the same way.’

Liz looked away and chewed her lip, wishing she’d never opened her big mouth. ‘I’m a complete fool. Yes, I’m aware of that.’