Page 73 of A Letter to the Last House Before the Sea

‘That’s true enough when it comes to you, though I was impressed with your two suitors last night.’

‘Come on, Daisy! You’re using insults and trying to throw me to deflect from yourself. I might not be training to be a life coach like you but even I can see that.’

‘Hmm.’ Daisy looked impressed for a moment before pushing herself slowly to her feet. ‘I really do need to go and catch up on my sleep. What are your plans for today?’

Lettie had come to a decision while lying in bed that morning. There was no point in leaving a task half finished, not when it would mean so much to a lonely elderly man. ‘I thought I might see if there’s a bus to a local village called Shelton Ford.’

‘Why? Is it good there?’

‘I’ve no idea but someone lives there who I’d like to speak to about the past.’

Daisy gave a great juddering sigh. ‘Not more sleuthing, Lettie! Iris is gone but she seems to be at the root of all your strange behaviour lately. Bereavement certainly changes people. And do you ever take that key necklace off?’

‘Hardly ever.’ Lettie pushed the key protectively beneath the neckline of her T-shirt. ‘It’s pretty and it makes me feel close to Iris.’

‘Unhealthy attachment to the dead,’ muttered Daisy.

‘Anyway,’ said Lettie, stung by Daisy’s cod psychology. ‘I’m not going to see someone about Iris. I’m doing a favour for a friend.’

‘What friend?’

‘A local man called Claude.’

‘Another man? You’re suddenly insatiable!’ cried Daisy, before wincing at the noise she was making.

Lettie laughed at the thought of being some sort of femme fatale. ‘Claude is in his seventies and has asked me to help him to find someone and I said I would.’

‘You really do think you’re Sherlock Holmes these days. When will you be back?’

‘It depends on the buses. Lunchtime, hopefully.’

Daisy started swaying slightly. ‘I would drive you there only…’

‘…only you need to go back to bed. It’s fine.’

‘Take my car. It’s a Sunday so who knows if the buses run around here.’ She leaned forward and pushed her handbag across the table. ‘The keys are in there and you’re insured.’

That was true enough. Daisy and Jason had put her on their insurance so she could pick the children up from their after-school clubs and weekend activities.

‘Thanks. It’ll be quicker than waiting for buses.’

Daisy nodded and walked to the door. She suddenly stopped and, with her back to Lettie, said: ‘I do love Jason, you know.’

‘I know you do, and he loves you too, even if he isn’t the most romantic of men.’

‘Mmm.’ Daisy closed the door very quietly behind her and Lettie heard her walking up the stairs.