‘New York City. I’m really here to check out how your Statue of Liberty compares with our Liberty Island one,’ Scott answered.

Fern laughed. ‘It’s a miniature version, that’s for sure.’

Scott flashed her a disarming smile. ‘At least I can stand up close without having to pay.’

‘Are you staying in Gourin?’

‘Not at the moment. I’ve rented a gîte on the outskirts, but, to be honest, it’s a bit isolated and I think I’d prefer to have company nearby. I’ll probably find a hotel, maybe even an Airbnb in town, when my jet lag finally clears. I only landed three days ago and it’s taking time to wear off.’

Fern nodded sympathetically.

‘You live locally I guess?’ Scott said.

Fern shook her head. ‘Not really. I’m fifteen kilometres away. Carhaix–Plouguer direction. I run an auberge.’

They continued to walk in companionable silence for a while before the front of the restored chateau came into view.

‘Wow. I wasn’t expecting it to be quite so splendid,’ Scott said, stopping in the middle of the path. ‘I’ve seen paintings and photos of the place, but…’ He shook his head. ‘Seeing it in the flesh, so to speak, it’s completely taken me by surprise.’

Fern, standing at his side, had to admit the old chateau was looking particularly beautiful in the sunshine, with the spring daffodils, primroses and the many camellia shrubs in flower.

Scott appeared to be transfixed by the scene. When Lady pulled on her lead wanting to move, Fern broke into his reverie.

‘It is rather splendid. Easy to imagine how lovely it must have been to actually live in it. Scott, I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to walk – Lady is getting impatient. It’s been lovely meeting you and I hope you enjoy your stay in Brittany,’ and she began to walk away.

‘Sorry, I was miles away there,’ Scott apologised and he fell into step alongside her once again. ‘Is there anywhere here I can buy you a coffee?’

‘Thank you, but I don’t think there is a café here – maybe in the summer but not right now,’ Fern said, thinking it would have been nice to have stopped for a coffee. ‘And I have to get to the supermarché.’

Scott looked disappointed but didn’t argue as they walked back to the car park in silence.

Fern pressed the remote lock on her car and quickly bundled Lady into her basket in the back. When she straightened up, Scott had opened the driver’s door and smiled at her as she slipped into her seat. ‘Thank you.’

‘Would you and your husband like to join me for dinner one evening?’ Scott asked. ‘A bit of entente cordiale?’