‘No. I asked the nurse, but it’s not really a question anyone can answer. She did take my number and promised to let me know as and when.’ Belinda looked across at the laptop. ‘What were you watching? Anything interesting?’

‘I was just reading an email from Scott to Anouk,’ Fern said.

‘How is he?’ Belinda asked.

‘He seems to be fine,’ Fern said. ‘Says he’s missing me even though we email and FaceTime.’

‘Every night,’ Anouk added with a smile.

‘I was worried about his real life in America taking over and things between us slowly dying away. Even though he said he wouldn’t let it.’ Fern fingered the Scotty pendant around her neck.

‘Oh ye of little faith,’ Anouk said, starting to stand up. ‘The man is in love with you. Anyone with a pair of eyes can see that.’ Anouk took her cane in her hand and straightened up. ‘I’ve a few things to sort in my room, so I’ll leave you two to chat. If you see Enzo again, do please remember me to him.’

‘I will,’ promised Belinda. She owed Anouk a big thank you. If it hadn’t been for her, it was doubtful that the reconciliation with her father would ever have happened.

‘How is Scott’s cousin?’ Belinda asked as Anouk left them.

‘She’s doing better but it will be a couple more weeks before he’ll be free to return.’

‘I’ll probably have left by then,’ Belinda said. ‘Once official opening has happened on the first of June, I’ll be returning to the UK – jobless and homeless by the end of the month.’ As Fern looked at her, shocked, Belinda explained about the hotels being sold and deciding not to work for the new owners. ‘Maybe it’s the wrong decision given that I have no idea yet of what I’m going to do, but so much has changed in the last few weeks, I feel a new direction – life, even – will be good for me.’

‘Will you move to the Vendée to be close to Chloe?’

Belinda shrugged. ‘It’s an option, although I do feel that Chloe and Max should live their lives without me tagging along. I’ll probably help them move and then settle into being a visiting granny.’

‘What about coming to live in Brittany? At least you’d be in the same country. Easier to be that visiting granny.’

Belinda nodded thoughtfully. ‘It’s a thought. Alain wants me to stay working with him… and the new owners,’ she added hastily, remembering her promise to Alain.

Fern raised her eyebrows.