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Sasha looks as if she’s deciding how to answer. ‘She’s a good worker, mostly,’ Sasha says. ‘We wouldn’t be without her. But she’s not always truthful.’
‘In what way?’
Sasha repeats what Olly told them about Kitty, almost word for word. Jen doesn’t ask any questions, and Hal follows her cue, letting Sasha talk freely. Sasha seems to warm up as she does. They learn nothing new, but she uses the word ‘delusional’ just as Olly did and something about it seems rehearsed to Jen. She’s got no proof, it’s just what her gut is telling her. There’s something off about Sasha.
‘Thank you,’ Jen says when Sasha finishes. ‘That’s very helpful. Could you get her for us?’
When Sasha’s left the room, Hal says, ‘They don’t have rock-solid alibis, this couple, or the housekeeper. If this is murder, I don’t think we can rule them out.’
She leans towards Hal and shows him the texts. He reads and looks at her, eyebrows raised. ‘Interesting,’ she mouths at him. Hal nods. He’s about to reply when there’s a knock on the door. He says, ‘Come in!’ and they exchange a glance as the door opens.
25
FIVE YEARS EARLIER
Anna’s Journal
The noises that used to terrorise me at night have stopped. Sasha asked me about it the other day and I realised that I’d forgotten about them. I don’t think I’ve heard anything since you moved in, I said. It was hard to remember. My days are no longer lonely. I’m busy, now.
She smiled. ‘Well, it’s good that we’re staying a little longer, then.’
I persuaded them to stay on. I’m so happy. It took a bit of doing. They found a flat and were getting ready to move out, but then Sasha unexpectedly lost the use of her space at the yoga centre. She was very upset. The details of how it happened weren’t clear – she muttered about politics and people’s selfishness, and it was an extra blow because it meant the flat that they found might not be the right choice for them because they’d picked it for its proximity to her workplace. She didn’t tellme about any of this for days. I noticed she was looking strained and worried it was something I’d done. I made an extra effort to behave how I thought she’d want me to, keeping out of their way but also making sure things were nice for them in the house. Eventually, I found her crying in the kitchen and she told me.
‘You can stay here and teach in the Great Hall,’ I told her. I’d been thinking a lot about what a good space the Hall would make for her, and how she would be able to host retreats here. I didn’t want people staying in the house, but they could camp, or stay nearby. She could build her business. I hadn’t dared mention it before for fear of seeming overbearing, but the words came tumbling out now.
‘Do you know what?’ she said. ‘That’s actually a brilliant idea.’ I felt so happy, though she seemed to think twice. ‘But I couldn’t possibly be so reliant on your generosity.’
‘Nonsense!’ I said. ‘What am I going to do on my own here? This is what the Manor needs. It’s crying out for people to use it.’
‘Can I pay you rent at least?’
‘No! Absolutely not!’
‘I’ll talk to Olly,’ she said. She took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. ‘Thank you. You really are a wonderful person.’ It was the loveliest moment.
Things have been busy since then! We worked very hard to get the Hall ready to host classes. We thought pupils could park around the back of the Manor and enter by a side door, but Olly requested that they not pass by his study when they arrive, so Sasha will let them in through the main door. I wasn’t sure about it at first, all those strangers coming into my home, butI’ve got used to the idea. They’ll feel part of the Manor. As Olly said, it’ll enhance their experience of coming to learn here. He also said that it takes someone with vision to bring an idea like this to fruition so beautifully and I felt very flattered.
The only downside is that Sasha doesn’t want me to come to class any more, which, I admit, was a surprise. She said she’ll give me some private lessons, which is nice, but I’ll miss being in the group. When I asked her why, she said it might be a weird dynamic if I was there, especially for the ladies who know me already. She thought people might focus on me, the hostess, and it might be distracting. ‘We don’t have to tell them I own the Manor,’ I said.
‘It might slip out, though, mightn’t it? If not in your words, then in your behaviour,’ she said, and I supposed she was right.
I’m still losing things regularly, which is an inconvenience now that life has got so much busier. I try to cover it up, because the last thing I want is for Olly and Sasha to think I’m becoming a senile old woman.
Kitty has got a lot quieter, lately. I asked her if she was happy with the new arrangements.
‘I am, but it’s a lot more work.’
I felt very guilty because I should have thought of that. I didn’t consult Kitty at all regarding these changes and she’s been remarkably accommodating of Olly and Sasha moving in. I think she likes the Manor being livelier, too. For a moment I considered hiring more help, but I knew that would put a squeeze on my finances. The Manor is an expensive property to run, and Nick didn’t leave me with a fortune in cash. I have enough to cover most things if I live frugally, but only just.
I said, ‘I’ll help you. Tell me what I can do.’
‘Are you sure?’ she said.
‘Of course.’ We worked out what she couldn’t manage, and I’ve taken it on. Mostly, I make sure the Great Hall is kept ready for yoga lessons and tidied and cleaned afterwards. It really is a pleasure. The more I do, the happier I seem to feel. Sasha says she always thought part of my problem was that I didn’t fill my time enough after Nick died, and if I did, it was with the wrong things and the wrong people.
Sasha said that one of my old acquaintances had joined her yoga class and was asking after me. ‘Who?’ I asked.
‘Catherine,’ she said. I remembered Catherine. She was one of the nicer women.
