Free A Life Less Lonely by Jill Barry Page B

me. Can this keep till tomorrow?” She kept her tone even, trying to ignore the tingles that had no business tantalising her like they did.
    “Actually, it can’t,” he said. “Look, there’s nothing to panic about. It’s just that your mother’s here with me.”
    Andrea gripped the side of the desk, trying to absorb the message without drowning in those rich caramel tones. This was serious stuff. “I’m not panicking,” she said. “But are you saying she’s been admitted to hospital?”
    “No, Andrea, I’m not. Your mum’s absolutely fine. We’re getting on like the proverbial house on fire. Although she has eaten most of my biscuits.” He sounded a tad regretful.
    “I just don’t understand why she’s with you. Will you tell me what’s happening? Please.” Andrea’s voice expressed concern
    “It’s a horticultural kind of thing. Look, my PA’s taken Rosemary to the washroom. Shall I bring her over to the university? Or shall I drive her home? Maybe you should give your mum’s neighbour a ring in case she’s looking for Rosemary.”
    Andrea’s thoughts whirled, only to land exactly where they started. “I - there’s Josh to collect. I’ll need to ring the crèche and tell them I’m running late.”
    “No. Please let me help. Why don’t I drive Rosemary home and meet you there after you’ve collected your son?”
    “Your time’s valuable, Keir. I feel so embarrassed by this.” Andrea, knowing tears threatened, willed herself to keep calm. He’d think she was some kind of a wimp.
    “There’s no need to be embarrassed. Your mum’s a walking history book. She’s going to be a real asset to the trial.” He paused. “They’re coming back. Lyn’s given me Rosemary’s address and if the neighbour’s not in evidence, we’ll wait outside in the car and I’ll learn more about British Prime Ministers. One or two of them were really quite naughty, weren’t they?”
    ***
    Keir parked outside Rosemary’s bungalow to find a sweet-faced middle-aged woman watching from the window of the house next door. The woman came down her path at once and greeted him as he opened the car door.
    “Dr Harrison?” She held out her hand. “I’m Lizzie Dean, Rosemary’s neighbour. I just got a call from Andrea. What a relief to know Rosemary’s all right.” She stopped and waved at Keir’s passenger.
    “She’s fine, Mrs Dean. It’s one of those things. Rosemary has a good perception of traffic and she directed me here. My GPS system didn’t get a look in.”
    Lizzie smiled. “I’m so sorry to put you to all this trouble. What a blessing you happened along when you did.”
    “All part of my job,” he said. “By the way, do you have a key to the bungalow?”
    “I have my own key,” called Rosemary, clambering from the front seat. “Can you stay to tea? We haven’t got to Gladstone yet.”
    Keir moved round the vehicle to assist her. “It’s very kind of you to invite me but now Lizzie’s here, I should get back to my desk. I’ll see you soon, Rosemary. I’ve really enjoyed our discussion.”
    As he got back behind the wheel, he wondered if Andrea would expect to find him waiting. After all, he’d agreed to meet her at her mother’s place. But with Lizzie to take charge, there remained no reason to hang around. Seeing Andrea with her small son was not what he needed, especially after that clear reminder from his grandmother regarding Josh’s father. Andrea’s tall husband was obviously very much in the picture and fantasising about a woman so clearly off limits would in no way help matters.
    ***
    “I have to say, your mother’s amazing,” said Lizzie, shaking her head and smiling. “Nipping off to the hospital garden like that. I reminded her this morning that we had a tea date today. I’m so sorry, Andrea.”
    “She does seem to have nine lives. But please don’t feel guilty about today’s episode. Mum’s my responsibility, after all.”
    Lizzie looked pensive. “There