An Unexpected Bonus. Caroline Anderson

is my mum,’ she told him unnecessarily.

      ‘I guessed. Pleased to meet you, Laura.’

      ‘So, are you going to be in the panto?’ she asked, her head on one side in a gesture so reminiscent of her mother it was almost comical.

      ‘Looks like it,’ he told her.

      ‘Good—Mum thought you wouldn’t want to, but I think you’ll like it. It’s a laugh.’

      ‘Laura! They need you for song practice!’ Jo said.

      ‘Oops—have to fly. See you.’

      She shot off across the room to the man at the keyboard, and without any further incident Ed was introduced to Anne, measured and sized up and offered an armful of musty clothes to try at home later.

      Breeches, a full-sleeved white shirt, a waistcoat, long socks—he was going to look a peach! Ah, well, it was all in a good cause…

      Jo tried to concentrate, but every time she looked across at Ed the air seemed to crackle between them and she forgot her lines.