Afterwards, she rang Nigel. As soon as they’d exchanged the normal pleasantries, she dived straight in. ‘Did you actually walk around the site before you bought it?’

‘Most of it,’ Nigel said.

‘I’m sending you a file of photographs and a provisional incomplete list of what needs to be done, as well as a list of the equipment we need to buy. Bringing this place up to our usual Milton Hotels standard in the timescale you’ve given me will be difficult.’

‘Getting the place up to scratch will be a challenge, I grant you, but we always thought you liked a challenge.’

‘This campsite is more than just a challenge, although it does have potential. There’s a couple of run-down buildings on the site that need demolishing. The long traditional mas on the far edge laughingly called a café… that, though, is a gem.’ Personally Belinda thought that particular mas could be the key to making the campsite a success in and out of the season.

‘It is?’

‘Fully restored, it would be a wonderful venue for weddings and other large functions. A basic café needs to be nearer the entrance.’

‘So, finally, there is something you like about the place.’

Belinda decided to ignore the amusement she could hear in Nigel’s voice.

‘You also need to know I’m probably going to stay at the auberge in the village for an indefinite period. There is nowhere on site where I would consider sleeping currently, although I haven’t yet had a chance to check out the staff cottage.’

‘Stay at the auberge for as long as you need to. Anything else?’

‘One major problem, your so-called manager, he’s got a real attitude problem. Either that or he hates the English. Or maybe he hates women. Not sure I can work with him. Can you sack him?’ Belinda could have sworn she heard Nigel smother a laugh.

‘That’s priceless. He wants me to sack you. Says he can’t work with you.’

‘What? He’s had the nerve to ring you and complain about me?’ Belinda couldn’t believe what she was hearing. ‘On what grounds?’

‘He doesn’t need an uptight bossy female undermining what he’s already doing.’

‘I haven’t been here eight hours yet! We’ve barely spoken to each other and there is absolutely no evidence of him doing any actual work, apart from maybe pruning and cutting back a few bushes.’

‘Anyway, I told him what I’m telling you. I’m not sacking either of you, I need the two of you to work together.’

Belinda was silent.

‘Come on. You’re normally so good with people. Always diplomatic and kind. Don’t let Alain get to you. He’s French, he can’t help having attitude, it’s in their DNA. But he’s a good bloke really.’