With a little jump of her heart, Florrie recognised the handwriting instantly as being Clem’s, but unfortunately it wasn’t addressed to her, it was for Rita and there was nothing she could do about vetting it before it was opened. Clem had very kindly written to say that Daisy had spent the winter safely at Lane End Farm, that she was perfectly well and they were not to worry. ‘I thought it best that I inform you of her safety.’ He apologised for not having written sooner but had kept expecting Florrie back any day, he explained, and then the weather had been bad so he hadn’t been able to get out for several weeks. He made no mention of the fact that Daisy had been reluctant to contact her mother, or that he’d no real proof of where his wife was staying until she’d written asking for money. ‘Not that Florrie need hurry home on my account, if she’s enjoying her stay with you. We’re busy doing a thorough spring clean.’ He closed by saying that Daisy was proving to be quite handy about the farm. Rita’s jaw dropped open in stunned amazement.
