‘We need to get a team in,’ Belinda said. ‘Too much work here for you to carry out alone. Do you know of a local company? Or should we employ a couple of men and you supervise? We’re going to need a permanent groundsman once it’s sorted as well.’

Alain nodded. ‘Already organised a team to come in. Now the weather is improving, they’ll ’ave it sorted within a week. The machinery in the hangar is old but most of it works, just needs cleaning and oiling. I’ll let Yann in the bar know and he’ll spread the word about job vacancies. And we can notify the Pôle Emploi that we are looking for seasonal staff.’

‘Is that what I’d call the job centre?’ Belinda asked.

Alain nodded.

‘I’ll write out a list of jobs, both immediate and seasonal, like receptionist, cleaners, gardeners. I’ll check with Nigel about whether he wants to rent out the café when it’s ready or whether he wants to employ staff for it.’

Alain glanced at his watch. ‘I need some food. We go for lunch in the village?’

Belinda shook her head. ‘No thanks. I’ll work through. I’ll grab a cup of coffee and there’s a croissant left if I need it. I need to phone my daughter too.’

‘That decision marks you out as a true Englishwoman. Breaking off work for lunch is sacrosanct round here. No self-respecting French person would even consider taking less than an hour for lunch.’

‘And that’s what’s wrong with the French.’ Belinda shrugged. ‘I’d rather get the work done and finish the day early. Too long a lunch makes people lethargic. I’ll spend the time on the computer. Get familiar with the programs you have on there. See if the bookings and payment app is modern enough to cope. I take it the internet connection is good?’

‘It’s good,’ Alain said. ‘For rural Brittany. I’ll see you later.’

Belinda registered the speculative look he gave her as he went to say something before changing his mind and closing the door behind him.

She made herself a cup of coffee and gave BB a drink before settling herself in front of the computer. It was then she realised what was behind Alain’s look. Everything on the computer was in French and he didn’t expect her to understand any of it. Monsieur Salvin had made another mistake there!

9

After Belinda had left for the campsite and her anticipated difficult morning with Alain Salvin, Fern did her usual out-of-season housework routine, making sure the auberge was spick and span for any passing tourists.