Mai Griffin
Del would never find a lovelier house to live in when
they retired. It had no near neighbours and the wide,
sweeping driveway allowed for plenty of parking space
without blocking the small amount of passing traffic.
Clarrie persuaded them that they would be doing
her a favour and, secretly, they were both a little
relieved and happy to agree. Although prepared for
change, they were both a little daunted at the thought of
having to pack up and find somewhere new, even
though they didn’t feel their age. They had grown fond
of the old house and enjoyed its space and privacy. Plus,
the extra income from Sarah’s invested sale proceeds
from selling her Berkshire property gave them a feeling
of security they were loath to lose.
Before she left, Clarrie had refurbished her old
painting studio as an office with a comfortable double
bed-settee that would serve as a guest room when
needed. Although Polly had her laptop computer she was
ecstatic when Clarrie installed a complete range of
machines in the new office, including printers and a
scanner. They had a strong broadband connection and
the strategic use of cables gave Polly’s laptop access to
the internet in the sitting room, but Sarah preferred
using the desktop computer and Polly still borrowed it
when she wanted to use the printer.
Sarah loved surfing the internet for information,
never ceasing to be amazed at how much could be
discovered online. She was comfortable with emails but
still preferred to compose letters as documents, which
she either printed and posted or sent as attachments.
On Tuesday morning, Polly emerged from the office
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