They hadn’t bothered with breakfast, and now, at nine thirty, with Lloyd calling out that he’d made them something to eat, they didn’t need telling twice. Sitting in the courtyard, Katie tucked in with hungry relish to the bacon sandwich Lloyd had given her. ‘Mmm . . . sublime,’ she said, wiping the butter from her lips. ‘Cousin Lloyd, can I just say, as of now, you’re my favourite person in all the world?’ He passed her a mug of tea. ‘You may indeed.’ ‘He’s a dab hand with a loaf of soft white bread and a packet of bacon,’ Pen said. ‘Always has been.’ ‘I do have other culinary masterpieces in my repertoire.’ ‘Such as?’ Katie asked. ‘I’ll have you know I make an excellent Thai chicken and coconut curry.’ ‘Really? You’ve gone even further up in my estimation. I should have roped you in to help me with the baking.’ ‘Ah, now that wouldn’t have been such a smart move. I have what one might describe as limited baking experience.’ Pen laughed.
