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She’d leaned across to kiss Iris. “Night, Mum. Don’t stay up too late.”
Iris had smiled at their momentary role reversal. “I won’t.”
But she had stayed up, her doubts about Esme and Joseph resurfacing. The thought that Esme might have been in a relationship with Joseph, and might be having an affair with him now, had made her indignant on Hugh’s behalf. Unless they had an open marriage. But if that were the case, wouldn’t Hugh wonder whether Hamish was actually his?
She began to make salad to go with the steaks she’d bought for their dinner. She already guessed that Beth wouldn’t be eating with them, not if she was going to Esme’s. She and Gabriel had taken to having the news on while they had dinner, something they’d never done before, and something they didn’t do during meals with Beth. Iris told herself that it was normal they didn’t have much to say now that neither of them were working. Before, they would chat to each other about their respective days. Now, they ran out of conversation before they’d even sat down.
“Penny for them.”
Gabriel was standing in the doorway, trying to hide his worry behind a smile.
“What’s up?” she asked, taking the steaks out of the fridge so they could get to room temperature.
“It’s Maggie. I’ve been going over it my mind. When we were in the walled garden, Joseph was working at the far end. It was when I pointed him out that she suddenly seemed unwell.”
She frowned. “A coincidence, surely? She can’t possibly know Joseph.”
“What if his job took him to the school where Maggie worked and where Charlie was a pupil? Their paths might have crossed there.” He came farther into the kitchen and stood across from her. “The thing is, before coming to work for them, Hugh told me that Joseph worked for a landscaping company called Jarmans. I looked them up, and it said that one of their contracts had been for landscaping the grounds of St. Cuthbert’s. So I asked Joseph if he had worked on that contract, and he said that he hadn’t. But what if he lied?”
“Why would he?”
“I don’t know. Maybe because he doesn’t want anyone to know heworked there.” He paused. “I don’t suppose you’re going to see Esme anytime soon?”
“I was thinking of going tomorrow morning. Why?”
“Could you try and find out where Joseph worked before coming to them? Don’t ask her outright, I don’t want him to know that we’re checking up on him.”
“You really think he and Maggie knew each other?”
“I can’t think of anything else to explain her sudden distress.”
“Okay,” Iris said. “I’ll see what I can do.”
53
Iris pushed open the door to Esme’s kitchen.
“It’s only me,” she called.
“Iris!” Esme crossed the room and gave her a hug. “What a lovely surprise! It’s so good to see you.”
“I’m not disturbing you, am I?”
“Never. Come and sit down. It’s been ages.” There was a slight hint of reproach in her eyes.
“I didn’t want to cramp Beth’s style,” Iris explained, moving to the sofa. “It’s done her so much good, spending time with you and Hugh these past few weeks.”
“We love having her here and she’s a great help with Hamish. Now, what can I get you? Tea, a cold drink, or something stronger?” Esme fluttered around her like a bird.
“A cold drink would be lovely. Where’s Hamish?”
“Sleeping, thank God. On the terrace.”
Esme brought a jug of cordial and two glasses over to the table and sank into the sofa. “So, how are you?” she asked, picking up the jug.
“Getting there. Having Beth around has helped so much. It’s madeus strong in the sense that, for her sake, we can’t allow ourselves to sink into depression, which we might have done if she wasn’t with us. I think we’re both dreading her leaving.”
Ice clinked into the glasses as Esme poured the cordial.
