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back of the house, where Anna had noticed the damp patch. ‘That tiny patch over there is nothing to worry about; it’s only a broken downpipe, and we’ll soon fix that.’ Then he pointed to the plaster relief figures high on the wall of the main hall. The white mural reached almost the whole length of the wall. Set high against the lofty ceiling, it depicted a busy scene of mariners on a tall ship, and was so well crafted that it was possible to see every detail of the action.
    ‘You don’t usually see anything like that around here,’ he said. ‘It’s beautiful. It’s over four yards long and in a near-perfect condition.’ Then he swung around. ‘Did the solicitor say the money you inherited wasn’t enough for repairs?’
    ‘That’s what he said.’
    ‘Then he’s talking through his hat.’ David’s reply was fast and emphatic. ‘Anyway, what would he know about building costs? I like his nerve to make assumptions; he should stick to his own job.’ He swivelled around to Anna. ‘What’s his reason for saying that? What’s it to him?’ David tucked his pencil behind his ear and slipped his notebook back into his pocket.
    Anna’s face lit up as she felt an urge to throw her arms around David Rees through sheer joy at his opinion, but contained herself. ‘So you reckon I’ve got enough?’
    ‘Most definitely. This won’t cost a fortune, unless you get silly and go to town with unnecessary additions. I’ll have to work it out, discuss with you what else you want done, and note any improvements you add before I can quote the final figures, but as for the basic necessities, and a few new doors and windows, you don’t have any worries on the face of it.’ He placed his hands on Anna’s shoulders and looked down at her with a smile. ‘Don’t worry your head about this. We’ll manage fine.’
    Anna’s blood pounded through her at his touch, but she was soon in control as David elaborated. ‘Your idea is fantastic and I’ll help all I can.’ Then he gave a quick shrug. ‘The place is shabby. It could do with a few coats of paint and some smart wallpaper, but all that’s cosmetic, and certainly not beyond your personal reach.’ He chuckled loudly. ‘You’re going to be busy, and as far as the painting’s concerned, give your friends a brush and a can of paint and get them busy.’ He looked around, with a satisfied nod. ‘I think that about sums it up.’ He glanced at his wristwatch. ‘Fancy a drink and a ploughman’s?’
    Anna could barely believe what she was hearing. A surge of excitement ran through her. She’d always had a soft spot for David, but had never showed it—not while he was with Mary Powell. But now the situation had changed, hadn’t it? He was free, she was free, and they enjoyed each other’s company.
    ‘Why not?’ she said, trying to sound casual.
    David nodded and with another of his special smiles, made for the vehicle, his arm linked in hers to help her over the uneven ground. He began to go into details of what he would do, then stopped.
    ‘Hey, I’m jumping the gun a bit,’ he said. ‘I’d better shut up and leave all the suggestions to you, but I really am quite excited for you over this place. You lucky so-and-so.’ He jerked his thumb back at the house. ‘Tell your mother I wouldn’t mind a white elephant like that for myself.’
    They went to The Castle Inn in the next village, and relaxed in the lounge with their drinks. They briefly reminisced about schooldays and went on to talk about their future aims and dreams. Finally, they got round to the proposed repairs to the house in greater detail. David glanced at his watch again. ‘Don’t know about you,’ he said, ‘but I had my breakfast ages ago. Shall we order lunch?’
    While they ate, the conversation lapsed, but when they had finished David frowned as he rubbed his fingers over the light stubble on his chin. ‘Not that it’s any of my business, but I’ve been thinking. That