Can I get you a cup of tea or coffee?’ ‘No, thanks. I can’t stay very long, I’m afraid.’ Her neighbour’s assertion was music to Ailsa’s ears right then. But even as she sighed inwardly with relief, she didn’t escape feeling guilty. He was standing in the middle of the kitchen, his shoulders hunched defensively, like a schoolboy about to confess some errant misdemean-our. She’d never seen him appear so ill at ease. ‘All right, then. Would you like to sit down while we talk?’ Moving across to the kitchen table, she pulled out two chairs—one for her guest and one for herself. After that, apart from the hum of the radiator and the steady tick of the wall clock behind her, silence stretched out between them for what felt like a disconcertingly long time. Just when Ailsa wondered if he was ever going to sit down or speak at all, Linus dropped down into his chair and leant earnestly across the table. ‘I was wondering what your plans were for Christmas Day?’ His dark eyes anxiously roved her face.
