Anouk was sitting out under the loggia in the sunshine when Fern arrived, cups, saucers and plates already on the wrought-iron table. ‘Coffee in the machine is ready to go,’ she told Fern. ‘So, my dear, what is it you want to ask me?’ Anouk said when Fern had fetched and poured the coffee and put the eclairs on plates.

Fern took a deep breath. Driving over she’d formulated a plan. ‘Have you anything planned for this Easter weekend? Meeting up with friends? Or seeing Fabian and family?’

‘Not many friends left these days.’ Anouk shook her head. ‘Carole has persuaded Fabian to visit her family for the ’oliday up in Normandy. Which leaves me entirely free to get up to mischief with you. What are you planning?’ Anouk gave her a beaming smile.

Fern laughed. ‘I don’t know about mischief, but I was wondering whether you’d like to come and spend the weekend with me? We could go for a drive down to the coast if you like. Have lunch out. You could go to church in the village Sunday morning if you wanted.’

Anouk looked at her. ‘Yes, I would like to do that. First, though, ’ave you been thinking about Fabian and his suggestions? Is this some sort of trial to see if we could live together before you suggest I move in with you?’

Fern laughed and shook her head. ‘Nothing gets past you, does it? Yes, I have been thinking about Fabian’s suggestions, but, honestly, asking you to stay for the weekend was not a ploy to see if we could live together. It was more to see if you would even consider the idea of moving in with me. I promise you I shall not be upset if you say no, but I really, truly hope you will say yes.’

‘Why would you want to take on the responsibility of an old woman who isn’t related to you? What happens if I get dementia and – oh, what’s the word you English use? Do… do…’

‘I think you mean doolally,’ Fern said, laughing.

‘Doolally, that’s it. What if I get that in a few months’ time?’

‘Just because the man that linked us together via marriage is no longer with us, doesn’t mean that I don’t still regard you as my mother-in-law, a part of my family,’ Fern answered quietly. ‘And I promise you, I’ll never stop caring about and for you.’ She took a drink of coffee. ‘As for you going doolally – I don’t see that happening for a long time, if ever.’