Summary

Lottie is at the tennis courts with her grandson, Thomas. He is Hannah's son. Lottie lives with Ambrose in a house in town, but they still own the cottage on the lough that Ambrose's parents gave them for a wedding present. Lottie and Thomas go to the tennis courts each Wednesday. He has decent technique but isn't at all interested. She teases him, saying he should “pretend it's rocket science.” Thomas has always been very serious. He's studying to become an actuary. She wishes he would get a little crazy because she wants him to have some fun during his youth. She gives him a 20-pound note at the end of their tennis session, like always. She tells him not to spend it all the bookstore. She knows that he'll probably put it aside toward some larger purchase, such as a telescope. She asks...