Alain and Hervé were standing on the office steps when Belinda retraced her steps, intending to phone the agency and tell them about the missing job candidate.

‘Bonjour, Hervé,’ she said politely and went to carry on in, but Alain stopped her.

‘Hervé has given me all the information about the vide-grenier – okay to book it for Sunday, May the third?’

Belinda nodded. ‘Of course.’ She smiled at Hervé. ‘I hope it’s a success, I’ll be sure to ask Alain how it went. Maybe he’ll want to make it a regular feature.’

‘You won’t be here for it?’ Hervé asked.

‘I doubt it. I’m going back to Devon for Easter and possibly staying on for a few weeks.’ Belinda turned to Alain. ‘I’ve just told Marie she’s got the job. You’ll have to sort out her starting date and the initial hours you’ll need her over Easter. I won’t have time before I leave. Goodbye, Hervé, nice to see you again. Bon chance for the vide-grenier,’ and Belinda carried on into the office to tick yet another item off her list.

As Fern worked her way through her normal daily chores, Belinda’s question, what would happen to her own life if she did take on the responsibility for Anouk rattled around in her brain. She knew Belinda had been right to throw that question at her, but she couldn’t answer it readily. Her life would change, she knew that. Life as she currently lived it would cease to exist in many ways, but would that be such a bad thing? Having Anouk living with her could turn out to be the best thing all round.

Living alone for the past year and a half hadn’t exactly been a fun-filled existence. She’d spent a lot of time alone, especially in the winter months when she didn’t have guests to look after. She’d taken Lady for long walks in the countryside in all weathers, read a lot of books and watched a lot of rubbish TV shows. Anouk might be old and fragile in many ways, but she was still good company and hopefully would be for years yet. Having Anouk living at the auberge would put purpose back in her life. Someone to care for on a daily basis.

Fern picked up her mobile and pressed Anouk’s number. ‘Hi, may I come and see you this afternoon? There is something I need to ask you. I’ll bring some coffee eclairs,’ she promised, knowing that they were Anouk’s favourite cake.

‘Always delighted to see you, and with coffee eclairs, double delight,’ Anouk said.