The Tourist Office had sent a large bundle of brochures and she’d been amazed at the number of attractions there were these days in Brittany, especially local ones that she’d never dreamed existed back in the day, which, of course, some of them hadn’t. Château de Trévarez, known locally as The Pink Chateau, had always been there, but the Valley of the Saints was definitely new, with its hundreds of granite statues standing on a hillside. There was Lac de Guerlédan for a day of water activities and the newly discovered Roman remains in Carhaix – so much to take Chloe and the twins to see when – if – they still came for their holiday at the end of May.

Belinda looked up as the office door opened and Marie walked shyly in. Belinda saw her glance down, embarrassed at the scruffy clothes she wore for the cleaning jobs.

‘Desolé. I wanted to smarten myself up for the rendezvous, but time, it was impossible. I ’ave better clothes at home,’ she hastened to assure Belinda.

‘No worries, Marie. I understand,’ Belinda said. ‘I’m not exactly dressed for the office today either. I was about to suggest you sat down, but I’ve realised we only have the one chair between us in here. Must sort out at least another two, I think. Now, I already know you’re reliable and a hard worker, so tell me why we should employ you as a receptionist?’

‘Because I’d be good at it, given the chance. I like ’elping people and I know about the area. I speak a little English. And I know how to use a computer. I am ’appy to do whatever is needed.’

Belinda asked a couple more questions and watched Marie as she spoke and tried to work out how old she was. Early twenties at a guess. About the same age as Chloe.

‘It would be part-time initially until about mid-June and then full-time,’ Belinda explained. ‘At the height of the summer season, it would be necessary to work several evenings a week, including Saturdays. Would that be a problem?’

Marie shook her head. ‘Non.’

‘Okay. I have one other person to see. Once I’ve seen her, I’ll let you know later this afternoon.’ Belinda smiled at Marie as she showed her out. She had a good feeling about Marie. Alain was right. She’d almost told her the job was hers, but morally she was duty-bound to at least see the other candidate.

Belinda glanced at her watch. The woman the employment agency were sending was late. Not a good start. In fact, not a start at all. An hour later when she’d neither shown up nor phoned to apologise for being late, Belinda went in search of a delighted Marie to tell her the job was hers.