Belinda followed Fern back down the unexpected wide staircase with its gentle curve at the bottom. The huge kitchen with its La Cornue range, two shabby-chic old-fashioned dressers laden with crockery, an American-style double fridge and a large wood-burning stove in the granite fireplace at the far end, was a mix of traditional and new melded together in a homely way. Shiny copper pots hung above the cooking area and a refectory table with half a dozen chairs placed around it was in the centre of the room.

Fern filled the kettle and switched it on before busying herself getting mugs and biscuits ready.

‘Your kitchen is amazing. I’m no cook, but even I could be tempted to try my hand here,’ Belinda said. ‘Did you design it?’

Fern nodded. ‘I’ve always longed for a large, heart-of-the-home-type kitchen, and I finally got my dream here. A bit late in life as the kids are all independent these days so family meals rarely happen.’ She shrugged and changed the subject. ‘Milk and sugar?’

Belinda shook her head. ‘Just a dash of milk, please.’

Fern poured two cups and passed one to Belinda.

‘What about luggage? No offence, but you don’t seem the type to travel without a change of clothes, but I didn’t see a car outside.’

‘My car’s the other side of the village.’ For some reason, Belinda hesitated saying where it actually was. ‘I had lunch in the bar and they gave me directions here. BB needed a walk too,’ Belinda smiled. ‘Talking of lunch, do you do evening meals? Can I eat here tonight? I don’t need anything fancy – an omelette would be fine.’

‘I can do better than that,’ Fern said, hesitating. ‘I do have an official dining room, but do you fancy a kitchen supper with just the two of us? Unless you’d prefer to eat alone?’

‘Kitchen supper for two sounds ideal,’ Belinda answered. Company and a friendly face would probably be more than welcome after the next few hours at the campsite. ‘I’ve got some business things I need to sort this afternoon, not least collecting my car. I’ll be back around six, if that’s okay?’

Fern nodded. ‘Supper at seven then.’

Belinda, relieved that Fern didn’t ask any questions, quickly finished her tea before snapping BB’s lead on. ‘Bye for now then. I’ll see you later.’