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So he favoured Carole with tales of other occasions when he'd seen his way to bending Fether District Council's rules in the matter of beach huts. ' he asked, the wind temporarily taken out of his sails. 'The fire at Quiet Harbour. ' 'I will try. I will ask around. But without much confidence that I'll find the answer. I'm sure it was done by some kids after dark. ' 'And while we're talking of investigation, Carole . ' A new beadiness came into his eyes '. . ' 'Of course I can. ' 'Yes, please .

Just ordinary coffee, thank you. ' He favoured the waitress with one of his roguish smiles. 'So, beautiful, that's a pot of tea for one and a black coffee. And would you like something to eat, Carole? ' 'Oh. Well, I'll have one of your Swiss buns, angel cake. Because I'm not sweet enough already,' he simpered to the waitress. This tiresome little ritual concluded and when the girl went off to get their order, Carole became brisk and businesslike. ' Kelvin's face took on an expression of mock hurt.

Burying himself in his work (which involved money and computers in a relationship his mother could never quite understand), he too had minimized engagement with his fellow human beings. But marriage to the vivacious Gaby had changed all that, and the arrival of Lily had also contributed to the humanization of Stephen Seddon. He was never going to be the relaxed life and soul of any party, but family life had saved him from the route of total desiccation on which he seemed to have been set. And though Carole was very cautious in assessing her emotional reactions to everything, what she felt for Lily did seem wonderfully spontaneous.