
My dear, it’s so lovely to be talking to you from my own flat. I’ve been home for a short while now and have checked everywhere and am convinced that nothing is missing from here. I was a little concerned that when my unwelcome visitor made an appearance he may have misappropriated the little jewellery I now have left. I didn’t take anything other than a couple of pairs of earrings with me as I knew I wouldn’t be dressing up for going anywhere special.

Perhaps I should let you know what has been happening since I arrived back at Lavinia Court. Well as you will probably remember, I popped across to Georgie’s flat and had a very quick chat to let her know I was back and, even better, in one piece. Yes, I suppose there was some doubt about it, although I did try to remain optimistic all the time we were away.

Georgie then came round for a coffee yesterday morning. I had forgotten how much I enjoy having a hot beverage with my friends. Although I enjoy Mrs. M’s company, I sometimes feel that I’m talking to myself. Having said that, it’s a possibility that if I had to listen to me wittering, I’d tune out sometimes!
Georgie asked me if I had thought about her wedding and possible arrangements, but as I pointed out to her, the situation in Scotland wasn’t really conducive to thinking about catering, clothes and entertainment. Having said that I do have some rough suggestions to put to her later this week. You need to remember my dear that once we’re in the New Year the days and weeks will fly past very quickly. I also think that we need to think about buying our outfits sooner rather than later. I asked Georgie how Billy is, and unfortunately he appears to be a victim of this sickness bug that seems to be everywhere. However, apparently he is on the mend now so I’m likely to be seeing him within the next few days. I really like Billy and I think, no – I know, that he’s good for Georgie. They just go together like bacon and eggs or bangers and mash!
Now look, you should have reminded me that I said I would tell you a little about Alex and why I was so pleased to see him again. Right then, Alex is my only Godson – he’s the son of my very oldest friend. We met when we were both four years old and both of our parents had a house on the same road. Moira and I went to school together and I was matron of honour when she got married. I was honoured when I was asked to be Alex’s Godmother as we have always been extremely close. Alex has a wonderful wife, Chrissie – of course I was invited to their wedding and now they have two beautiful and funny daughters. They were living in Watford until very recently, when Alex was asked by his company to open a new office in Manchester. I don’t exactly know what he does – he has tried to explain it to me on several occasions, but as it’s something to do with computers he could have been talking in a foreign language! He’s obviously well thought of by his company as they gave him a wonderful relocation package. Chrissie didn’t move up here permanently until they found a house to purchase, as they didn’t really want to rent somewhere for a short time and then have the upheaval of moving again. She didn’t think it was fair on the children, and I agreed with her way of thinking. At their young ages they are very adaptable, but moving is difficult enough without having to do it twice within a few months. However, they’ve found a lovely house and Alex has a relatively short commute into the office. He also works from home for at least one day every week.

Chrissie hasn’t ever knitted, but has really wanted to learn and I promised that when they arrived in the North-West I would teach her. So I’ve been buying yarn for her and have some circular needles ready. I’m afraid Mrs. M won’t find me quite so accommodating in the future when it comes to my stash.

Talking about Mrs. M, I’m afraid I can’t tell you what the situation is with her just at the moment. Not for any reason, other than I’ve been rather busy catching up with other bits and pieces. I have arranged for her to come for coffee tomorrow, and told her that I’ve also invited Teddy along, as I feel we ought to let her know everything that happened while we were in Scotland. Now you may remember that I’ve actually been keeping Teddy in the loop while we were away, but Mrs. M doesn’t know that I’ve been speaking to her and also texting with her. I decided to keep that bit of information to myself. She can explain to Teddy what she thinks she needs to know about the various things which happened to us.
I’m not sure whether our anonymous letter-writer has been much in evidence. I don’t think so, as Georgie would have mentioned it to me straightaway. I’m not sure whether the police have managed to intercept them. I know that Teddy said that she was looking into it being a possibility, which would have been fine, but only the first one was actually posted and the second one was just pushed through my door. However, I’m sure that Teddy will tell me what has been happening here while I was north of the border.
I do want to focus on what Mrs. M has been doing, although I don’t want her to feel that I’m trying to make things worse for her. I only want her to feel better, as I know things are worrying her at the moment. I’m sure that whatever the situation is, there is a way out of it, although it may not be as easy as I hope. I’m sure though that however she’s involved, it wasn’t a deliberate policy on her part. I have a feeling that she was coerced by someone, although I have no idea who it could be.
Anyway, my dear that is where I’m up to now. I do hope that I’ll be able to give you some positive news in a couple of days, but I really don’t know how matters will be resolved, if indeed they can be. Surely there must have been some progress while I was away. Anyway, I’ll let you know as soon as I can. As Always –
With Love – Jan xx