midst. I’m sure we can use your expertise in some way.”
Lawrence laughed. “Same old Myra – always got your eye to the main chance. She won’t let us escape, you know, Rhia. So what do you want us to do?”
Myra joined in the laughter. “Oh, I’ll think of something – a talk, a workshop, an exhibition. Something to raise money for the church roof fund.”
Tim patted his wife’s arm. “I’m afraid she never gives up. You have to admire her tenacity. Give them a break, Myra. They haven’t had time to catch their breath yet…By the way, I didn’t show you where your grandfather and other ancestors were buried, did I, Rhianna? We’ll have to take another look at the churchyard some time.”
“Didn’t you even know your father was born in Kent?” Myra asked now.
“Well, I suppose he might have mentioned it at some time, but I can’t say I took too much notice. I expect Letitia will fill me in at some point.”
“Oh, Tish will have lots of things to share with you, I’m certain of that,” Lawrence assured her.
“Such a dear little name, Tish , it always makes me want to say, bless you,” Myra observed.
Rhianna caught Lawrence’s gaze. There was a definite twinkle in his eyes and she couldn’t help laughing at Myra’s comment.
Over dessert, Tim and Myra regaled them with anecdotes from their years on the mission field in Africa.
The evening passed quickly and pleasantly and Rhianna realised what a delightful couple they were. She was relieved that no more was said about Letitia Delroy. There were masses of things she needed to know. Questions kept coming into her mind but, for that day, she had reached saturation point.
They were about to leave when Myra asked, “Are the pair of you around tomorrow evening? It almost slipped my mind. We’ve got a concert in the village hall. It’s very varied – the choir from the school are singing and the church choristers as well as some talented individuals. It promises to be a good evening. We wondered if we’d need to postpone it with all that’s happened, but the police haven’t raised any objections.”
“Perhaps Letitia would like to come,” Lawrence said. “Do we need to get the tickets beforehand?”
He purchased three. Rhianna realised that he was a generous person, unlike Marcus, who had always seemed reluctant to put his hand in his pocket. She was determined to pay her way.
“Absolutely not,” Lawrence told her. “It’s my treat - so forget it.”
As they entered the bar, someone called out to them, “Come and join us for a drink.”
Rhianna suddenly couldn’t face any more cross questioning, besides, she wanted to phone Fiona to see how things were progressing at the gallery and so she pleaded tiredness and went upstairs.
Fiona was waiting to catch up with her news, especially in regards to Laurence.
“Wow,” she said, “so do you think he’s trustworthy?”
“I’d like to think so. He’s an interesting character and he seems to be sincere.” She decided not to mention the incident earlier that evening. Fiona would never let her live it down. Instead she told her about her visit to Letitia and what she’d learnt about the Soames family. She was subjected to a barrage of questions about Letitia.
“I can’t believe you call your grandmother, Letitia ?”
“Well, I somehow can’t bring myself to call her Grandmother , yet. After all, everything’s happened so quickly. I didn’t even know I had a grandmother until a short time ago.”
“Well, it must be just as strange for her,” Fiona said. “I’d make the most of her if I were you. I’d give anything to have my grandparents still around. She sounds a nice lady.”
“Mmm, I think she is, but, remember, I’ve only seen her for just over an hour. It’s very early days yet, but I’m sure we’re going to get on.” Rhianna sniffed. “She’s a lot like my father, Fi. It’s making me feel very emotional… Anyway, can we leave it for now? Tell me