‘We’ve decided not to go for pods this year,’ Nigel said. ‘Maybe next year, but Alain has suggested a couple of tree houses would be more in keeping.’

Belinda stared at him. ‘I thought the whole idea was to go upmarket. Appeal to modern-day families.’

Nigel shrugged. ‘They’re only on hold, not cancelled. As for the other things, let’s work through them, decide what needs to be done and reset the budget.’

For the next hour, the two of them went back and forth over things until they were both happy with the plan going forward.

‘That’s sorted,’ Nigel said. ‘Are you happy to go back and work with Alain again?’

‘Of course,’ Belinda answered. ‘I want to finish the job.’

‘From what he tells me, you’ve both sorted out your initial antagonism towards each other. He reckons you’re okay.’ Alain looked at her. ‘You think the same about him?’

Did she think he was okay? Yes, she supposed she did really. He couldn’t help his annoying French attitude that hid his good traits, from her especially.

Belinda sighed. ‘Let’s say we muddle along together now. There is one thing we haven’t discussed – Bernie living in one of the cabins. Does he stay or do you want him to leave?’

‘He stays. Alain says he’s not a problem, just somebody who hasn’t had the best deal in life. He’s going to help around the site.’

‘Have you two finished yet?’ Molly called out. ‘It’s almost lunchtime and I’m hungry.’

‘Two minutes,’ Nigel answered. ‘Just need to sort out a ferry ticket for Belinda.’

Two hours later, after an enjoyable lunch, Belinda left to drive home, her mind buzzing with plans for the campsite. The feeling, though, that her input hadn’t been strictly necessary because certain things seemed to have been already decided between Nigel and Alain niggled away at her. She wished Alain had seen fit to discuss the tree house plan with her rather than have her find out from Nigel. Bespoke tree houses would certainly offer campers something different and would fit in with the ethical side of the campsite that Alain seemed to be pushing. But was her determination to make it a profitable business for Nigel going to cause more problems between her and Alain?

The fact that she was able to return to Brittany so soon filled her with mixed emotions too. Nigel and Molly thought she was going back just to help finish the campsite improvements for them. They had no idea of her secret agenda to dig around in the past and try to uncover the bitter truth behind her parents’ break-up all those years ago.

That evening, as Belinda took BB along the river for his last walk before bedtime, she phoned Chloe to tell her she was returning to France the next day.

‘That quickly? I thought Nigel needed you here?’ Chloe said.