‘He’s fine. Hoping to have a return date fairly soon.’

‘I bet you’re looking forward to that.’

Fern nodded. ‘I still can’t quite believe I’ve met someone else who I really like. Or the fact that he seems to like me too.’

‘Believe it. You know, I’m really going to miss this place,’ Belinda said, watching Alain as he turned to smile at something Chloe said.

Fern followed her gaze. ‘Place or person?’

‘Place… oh hell, all right, person as well,’ Belinda admitted.

‘Then stay,’ Fern said.

‘It’s not that easy.’ Belinda said automatically. Could she really pack up her old life in the UK and come back here and work for Alain like he’d suggested? Was she brave enough to take the leap?

‘It’s not that difficult either. Try turning it on its head and think of it as an opportunity. Once you’ve packed up your flat, given up your job, you can be footloose and fancy free for a few months. You’ve got the chance to do whatever you want, to go wherever you want.’ Fern gave her a quizzical look. ‘And I think you know deep down what you want.’

46

Both Belinda and Chloe were subdued the next morning at breakfast in the cabin.

‘Even though parts of your week have been unexpectedly traumatic for you, I’m glad you came and I hope you are too,’ Belinda said, glancing at her daughter.

‘It’s lovely here and most of the time has been great,’ Chloe answered. ‘As for the traumatic part, well…’ She sighed. ‘Yes, it was upsetting, but I’m glad I was here. I hoped it helped you to have me here?’

‘More than you’ll ever know,’ Belinda said.

‘You’ll let me know when Granddad dies?’

Belinda nodded. ‘Of course. Now, what time do you plan to leave for the ferry?’

‘I thought about half eleven? I can take my time driving up to Roscoff and have a bite to eat in the restaurant at the ferry terminal before we board.’

‘Want a hand packing the car?’

Chloe shook her head. ‘No, I’m an expert at it these days.’

‘In that case, I’ll take Charlie and Aimee for a last walk down to the river. Keep them out of your way.’

‘Thanks.’

The twins were happy to hold her hand as they walked along the river path and stood enthralled to watch a young deer cross the path, making its way into the field adjoining the campsite.

‘Its tail bobbed up and down like a rabbit,’ Aimee said, delighted.

By the time they returned, Chloe had packed the car, moved it up to the forecourt by the office and was standing talking to Alain. The twins promptly let go of Belinda’s hand and ran up to Alain, who picked them both up and swung them around.

‘Say goodbye and thank you to Alain,’ Chloe said.