‘Ah,’ Belinda answered, a thoughtful tone to her voice. ‘Moving on is hard, isn’t it? I found it difficult being alone after my husband left me and I couldn’t shake the apathy off for months. Nigel and Molly giving me a job was my saving. I had to get out of the house and go to work. It must be even harder after a bereavement to pull yourself back into the world.’

‘True. My first marriage, which ended in divorce, was different. It was my decision. I did the right thing for me and the children and I got on with life. But I never expected to lose Laurent like I did.’ Fern bit her lip knowing tears were dangerously close again.

‘Do you like running the auberge on your own?’

‘Honestly? Laurent and I were a team. It was fun opening our home and entertaining people. We really enjoyed it.’ She sighed. ‘On my own, it’s different. Harder. I love it when I’m busy in the summer with guests, cooking and gardening, but I’ve learnt that the majority of holidaymakers prefer to drive south in search of the sun. It’s rare all six rooms are filled. And, as you can see, from November to April, it’s dead around here.’

‘Does the auberge give you a good life?’ Belinda asked.

‘Yes, but being solely responsible for everything, with no one to talk through problems with is a drain. I rather fancy working for someone else and not being the person in overall charge.’

‘And how’s the social life around here? How many times this winter have you been out for lunch or dinner with friends?’

‘I have lunch once a month with my brother-in-law,’ she said. ‘And Laurent’s son, Fabian, comes for dinner occasionally. That’s about it.’ She shrugged. ‘I walk Lady a lot. So plenty of fresh air.’

‘No girly natters with friends? No Ladies Wot Lunch around here?’

Fern laughed. ‘If there are, I’ve never met them.’

Belinda regarded her thoughtfully. ‘Speaking as a very new friend, you’ve got to get to grips with life again. Would you consider selling this place and starting somewhere new? Or does it hold too many happy memories for you to leave?’