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‘It is; however, he actually can write rather well and this story happens to be true. I’ve seen a sample and it’s pretty raw. Did you know he and his wife were trying for a baby when she was diagnosed. She was only thirty-six when she died.’

Katie was genuinely shocked. ‘No. How terrible. That is so sad.’

‘Poor Greg had also only recently taken over the farm when his wife became ill; it was her family farm and he had to decide whether to give it up or stick with it. Apparently Arlo also moved up here not too long after Greg was widowed, licking some kinds of wounds which you probably know more about than me. The two of them became buddies and when Greg decided to stick with the farm, he managed to survive thanks to Arlo’s friendship and the support of the local community.’

‘That’s – I could cry when I hear that story.’

‘I admit had a tear in my eye a few times when I read the opening few chapters. It also made me laugh. Greg has a very dark and dry sense of humour. And kind eyes,’ she added. ‘I think there might be something true about them being windows to the soul.’

Katie smiled to herself. Athene had never mentioned Guy having ‘kind eyes’ before. ‘I love the sound of this memoir. It sounds right up my street.’

Athene’s eyebrows lifted. ‘A farming story? Is that because Arlo’s in it?’

‘Even if Arlo didn’t exist, I’d read it,’ Katie said firmly. ‘Actually, I do know a bit more about Arlo’s experience in the reservists. I don’t think it’s fair to share the details, but he’s told me enough to explain a few things about what makes him … tick.’

‘Hmm. He does strike me as the strong, silent type.’

‘Silent, maybe, but being strong isn’t always easy.’ Katie thought back to Arlo’s admission of guilt and regret about his lost comrade and her heart lurched with empathy.

They were interrupted by Wanda shuffling in, eyes cast down to the floor.

‘Morning, Wanda. How did you sleep?’ Katie asked.

Wanda sighed. ‘Not that well. I almost messaged Erin to cry off so many times but I don’t want to let anyone down so I am going through with it.’

‘You wouldn’t be letting anyone down,’ Katie said, aware of treading a fine line. ‘But I think the best thing is to give it a go. Well done.’

Athene stacked her plate and mug in the dishwasher. ‘I’d spend the day shivering,’ she commented. ‘You’re very brave, Wanda, and don’t take this personally, but I have to go. My chariot will be here soon at the jetty.’

As soon as Athene had left, Wanda asked where she was rushing off.

‘To visit Greg’s farm,’ Katie said, buttering a slice of mulled-wine toast from a local bakery. ‘She’s trying to help him publish his memoir.’

‘Oh. I see. I don’t actually, but if Athene’s going to be out for the day as well as me …’ Wanda poured herself a cup of terrifyingly strong tea from the pot, making Katie shudder. ‘Do you and Jess have plans?’

‘Jess and I will be fine going out together. We’ve lots of ideas,’ Katie said. They actually didn’t have lots of ideas, but Katie didn’t want to discourage her aunt from having a day out with her new friends and new-found sense of adventure.

‘OK, if you’re sure,’ Wanda said.

‘One hundred per cent.’

She beamed. ‘Erin said she’d call for me here in the safety boat and take me to the swimming spot so I don’t even need to trouble Arlo. I hope I can last the course. We’re going for lunch afterwards so I’ll be out most of the day.’

‘You’ll have a fantastic time,’ Katie said.

When Jess came into breakfast, Wanda had already gone to pack a rucksack borrowed from the boot room.

‘Looks like it’s the two of us today,’ Katie said.

Jess smiled. ‘That’s OK. It’ll be nice to have some time together.’

Katie agreed. She’d neglected Jess far too much and this holiday was meant to be about reconnecting. Over more coffee and toast, they agreed on a plan to head off to the Wordsworth House and mooch around Cockermouth.

By the time they reached the jetty, Wanda had already left with Erin but Greg’s boat was still moored on one side with the launch on the other. Arlo was at the jetty chatting to Greg and Athene.

‘Rush hour at the Island House,’ Katie said.

‘Yes, though I thought Athene left a while ago,’ Jess murmured.