‘Shall we turn back now?’ Fern said a few moments later as they approached the top of the lane leading to the campsite. ‘I don’t like to leave Anouk on her own too long.’

‘Does she often spend time with you?’ Scott asked.

‘This is the first weekend. It’s meant to be a test to see how we’d get on if she moved in permanently.’

‘Ah, that explains something,’ Scott said. ‘She invited me to have coffee with her one morning but said she had to decide where that would be first. She’s very independent, she’ll find it hard living in someone else’s home, even yours, I suspect. Is there a need for her to move in with you?’ Scott asked.

‘It’s complicated,’ and Fern gave him a quick run-down as to why the idea was under consideration. ‘And, if I’m honest, I know I would benefit from having Anouk in the house too. It would make me feel needed again.’

‘How old is Anouk?’

‘It’s her ninetieth birthday this year,’ Fern said. ‘Do you mind holding Lady for a minute or two while I go into the village shop?’

‘Sure thing,’ and Scott held out his hand for the lead.

In the shop, Fern collected the Easter egg she’d ordered for Anouk and hesitated over buying one for Scott before selecting one for him too. Carrying the bag, she rejoined Scott and took back Lady.

‘Thank you.’

‘D’you want to start walking home and I’ll catch up with you?’ Scott asked. ‘I’ve just realised I need a new tube of toothpaste.’

‘Okay,’ and Fern smiled at him as he turned away to go into the shop.

To her surprise, she was home and indoors and he still hadn’t appeared. The shop hadn’t been that busy. There was no sign of Anouk either. She was about to go and check on her when she heard Scott return and go straight to his room – presumably to put his toothpaste in the bathroom. Minutes later, he walked into the kitchen carrying a bottle of champagne.

‘My contribution to Easter Sunday,’ he said, holding it out.

‘Oh goodness, thank you, my favourite brand,’ Fern said, looking at the orange label. ‘I’ll put it in the fridge now.’

‘If I may, I’m going to spend the afternoon sitting in your wonderful garden and read,’ Scott said. ‘Unless I can do anything to help you?’

‘No thanks. You’ll find loungers and cushions in the small shed. See you later.’ If he’d been a proper guest, she’d have rushed to get them out, but somehow Scott didn’t feel like a paying guest even though he was.