‘Don’t exaggerate. It’s an urban myth it’s always raining there,' Nigel said. ‘And with global warming and the movement of the jet stream, the weather is improving there every year. It could soon be The Breton Riviera!’

‘We had lovely weather the couple of times we were there,’ Molly chimed in. ‘It’s only run-down because our friends who owned it found it all too much to keep on top of. It’s in a beautiful spot – just needs some TLC to turn it back into a real paradise.’

Belinda looked at them both as the news penetrated her brain. ‘So let me get this straight. You’ve bought a run-down campsite called Camping dans La Forêt in Finistère and you want me to help you transform the place and fill it literally with happy campers.’ This was nightmarish news to her, but she couldn’t say that to Nigel and Molly. She took a deep breath. ‘Okay. Is there a website I can look at? Start to get some ideas flowing. As it’s only a campsite, I won’t really need to visit. I can do it over the internet.’

‘No, no. We’re sending you to France ASAP in the New Year,’ Nigel interrupted. ‘You’ll have two months – maybe three – to sort out the site and get it ready to fill with those proverbial happy campers this summer.’

Belinda felt a cold shiver run through her body. This couldn’t be happening. There was no way she could disappear off to France for weeks on end. There was Chloe and the twins to consider. Not exactly dependent on her, but they needed her to be around. And what about BB, her dog?

It was Molly who broke the silence that had fallen. ‘We know it’s a lot to ask of you,’ she hesitated. ‘Especially given you and your mum’s circumstances, but we’re sure it’s something you’ll enjoy doing. It’s always quiet in the hotels after New Year, so it’s a good time for you to go.’

With a grin, Nigel raised his glass in her direction for a toast. ‘Here’s to Camping dans La Forêt. We have every faith in you, don’t we, Molls? You’ll soon have the place up to scratch. You and Alain, the manager, who is already on site.’

‘He’s already on site? Surely he can oversee things then?’ Belinda asked quickly.

‘Needs a woman’s touch,’ Molly said. ‘And, in particular, your touch. You’ve always been good at seeing things differently and coming up with fresh ideas.’