Gail Honeyman

Naturally, I had been about to pour it all over myself but, just in time, had read the warning printed on the paper cup, alerting me to the fact that hot liquids can cause injury. A lucky escape, Eleanor! I said to myself, laughing quietly. I began to suspect that Mr. McDonald was a very foolish man indeed, although, judging from the undiminished queue, a wealthy one.

Life felt like it was moving very fast indeed at the moment, a whirlwind of possibilities.

he was perched on the arm of Sammy’s chair, laughing at something one of her brothers had said.

I did not appreciate this crass attempt to change the subject.

I find lateness exceptionally rude

You try, and you fail, and your world collapses around you, burns down to ashes.

I suspected that Laura was something of a sybarite.

she was a cat that brooked no nonsense.

He boggled at me. “How on earth did you know that?” he asked, sounding incredulous.

We can meet again tomorrow when you’ve had a chance to get up to speed with everything, if you like?”