“This is our new home!” Libby Van Beuren says encouragingly. “This is where we’re going to live, sweethearts!”
“It’s scary,” says one of the little girls, turning away, almost as though she’s going to cry. “I like Grandma’s house.”
“That’s my mother’s house,” explains Libby Van Beuren to me. “We’ve been camping there awhile. Hey, but we’ll like this house too!” she says gently to her daughter. “When we’ve got used to it. This is Effie!” She gestures at me. “She used to live here when she was a little girl. Effie, this is Laura and Eleanor.”
I crouch down, so I’m on a level with the two girls, and look into their grave, suspicious faces.
“You’re going to love it here,” I say seriously. “There are attics you can climb in. And lots of grass to play on. And a tree house. And, look, you can balance on these stepping-stones,” I say, suddenly remembering a game I used to play with Bean.
I show the girls the old stepping-stones set in the grass leading up to the mound, and after a moment they’re playing follow-my-leader, jumping from stone to stone, just like we used to do.
“Thanks,” says Libby Van Beuren gratefully, as we both watch them. “Moving’s always hard. New house, new school…Did you go to the village school?”
“Yes.” I nod. “And the same headmistress is still there. She’s great.”
“Oh, good.” Libby Van Beuren breathes out. “I guess it’s hard for you guys too,” she adds, as though it’s just occurring to her. “Leaving this place, after so many years.”
“Oh, we’re fine,” I say after a pause. “We’re fine.”
“Well, I hope we do it justice,” says Libby Van Beuren. “It feels quite a responsibility, you know? Taking on a place like this?”
“I’m sure you will.” I meet her excited, anxious eyes and feel something inside me unwind. I know she’ll love Greenoaks, and I know she’ll look after it. “I hope you have fun. Stay as long as you like, by the way.” I gesture at the girls. “Let them get used to the place. Nice to meet you. And good luck!”
“You too! Oh, and do return whenever you like,” she adds eagerly. “Whenever. We’d love to see you for a visit.”
“Thanks,” I say, after a pause. “Maybe.”
I climb back up to the top of the mound, to find Gus still asleep, Bean sitting up in her sleeping bag, Temi peering at her phone, and Joe waiting for me expectantly, his hair on end.
“Who was that?”
“New owner of Greenoaks.”
“Ah.” Joe gives me an appraising look. “You OK?”
“I’m great,” I say briskly. “Everything’s good.”
“I need to get to London,” says Temi, yawning. “It’s Monday.”
“So do I,” I say, remembering. “I’ve got a catering job later.”
“I was thinking of catching the eight-twenty.” Gus squints dazedly at his watch. “Does that give us time for bacon and eggs?”
“Oh, look at those two,” says Temi, her face softening, and I follow her gaze to see the two little girls playing It, running round the rosebushes.
“I think they’ll enjoy living here,” I say, watching them too. “I hope they do.”
Everything inside me has shifted. I’m stronger. Not only am I able to let go, I’m happy to let go. I’m focused on the future. And I’m about to ask Bean if I can borrow her navy blazer to wear home, when I see a man walking toward the mound who doesn’t appear to be either a remover or a Van Beuren. He has a kind-looking face and thick curly hair and as he gets nearer my stomach lurches, because I suddenly recognize him, oh God, oh God—
“My name is Adam,” he says, walking up the mound in his chunky boots, his voice wary but resolute, his eyes darting between us. “Adam Solomon. I was looking for Bean?”
“I’m here,” says Bean, her voice tiny and apprehensive. “Adam, I’m here. Hi.” She steps forward from where she was half-hidden behind Gus, and I can see the tension growing on her face.
“Hi,” he says.
“Hi,” she says again.
Beside me, Joe is watching tautly. Temi’s eyes are like saucers, and I can see Gus shifting position for a better view.
“I wanted to…” Adam swallows, the breeze gently blowing his hair. “Would you like to…have breakfast?”