Ruth shrugged. "I hope so." It wouldn't be for long if that idiot Willaby didn't actually tell Rose and would just give her the flat. It would be stupid of him to tell Rose anyway. It would harm all three of them. But well, he was a man after all, and men did stupid things.

Did she notice that Lory was uncomfortable? Perhaps, but she needed the job if the flat didn't work out, so she chose not to see it.

The comment about Crane had her snort. "I'd like to see him try." Did Lory really believe her own nonsense? Ruth shook her head. She'd like to get to the bottom of that gossip some other time. "See you around," she returned, and she turned to go back to the cottage.