Working around the campsite for the rest of the day, Belinda struggled to concentrate on the various jobs she’d earmarked to do. By the time she’d finished work for the day though, she’d made one of three important decisions. She’d tell Nigel she’d decided she didn’t want to work with the new owners and would therefore resign. Apart from the fact that working for somebody other than Nigel and Molly in what for her would always be their hotels didn’t appeal, Belinda was starting to think that all her current problems were a sign. A sign that it was time she moved on with her life. The next two decisions would follow on from that one. She’d go home at the end of the month, pack the flat up and move in temporarily with Chloe. If she hadn’t found a new job and a place to live when they moved, she’d go with them for a few weeks and, after that, who knew? The Vendée might be the place for her too, although if she was going to live in France, she realised she’d prefer to live in Brittany. She just had to trust that she’d make the right decision when the time came.

She was relieved too that Chloe knew she needed to talk to her when she came. As well as talking, she’d give her a guided tour of the places she’d known when growing up. It wasn’t fair to keep Chloe in ignorance about her grandparents; their history was part of hers and she had a right to know.

Belinda sighed. Life was being a bit of a bitch right now, but at least she was making plans to sort things out. Besides, no one could ever predict what the future might hold, could they?

The next few days passed in a blur of work. Belinda and Alain left Marie in charge of the office and concentrated on getting the café and its kitchen ready for the inspectors’ visit. After her initial visit to the café and Belinda’s surprise job offer, Fern had agreed to become the part-time manager of the café as well as supplying cakes and some meals. Most days she joined them for a couple of hours, helping to get the café ready. Alain had put the word out in the village that they were looking for catering staff and Fern joined them when they interviewed the five or six people who applied for jobs.

One afternoon, Fern arrived to tell them about a delivery for the next day and also to give them a broccoli quiche for supper. ‘It a different recipe – a bit spicier than I usually make it. Need to know what you think.’