Scott’s presence this weekend, although unexpected, had been a real gift. It was surprising how quickly he’d turned from stranger to friend. Even Anouk, normally restrained with strangers, had come under his spell, talking for hours about local families, looking for links between the two of them. As for Fern herself, she felt at ease with him, as if she’d known him forever. Lady too was more than content to curl up at his feet.

When the two of them returned from church, Fern made coffee, put the Easter eggs she’d bought for the two of them on a tray and carried it out to the terrace.

Before she could pour Scott a coffee, he disappeared to his room. ‘Two minutes. I’ve forgotten something.’ He returned carrying an Easter egg for each of them. ‘Happy Easter, everyone,’ he said. ‘And may I just say I think this Easter is going to turn out to be one of the best of my life, thanks to you two ladies.’ He took his phone out of his pocket. ‘A special time that I would like a memento of.’ He hesitated. ‘Please may I take a photo?’

Before Fern could respond, Anouk had given an enthusiastic, ‘Yes. Fern, get your phone as well, then I can take one of you and Scott so that we too can have a reminder when you leave.’

Within minutes, several photos had been taken. Scott had even managed to take a group selfie on both phones.

Fern stood up. ‘I must check lunch. Talk amongst yourselves for five minutes.’

Once she’d checked the roasties, and taken the lamb out to rest, Fern stood by the kitchen window looking out over the terrace. As she watched, Anouk threw back her head and laughed at something Scott had said. They seemed to be on the same wavelength for lots of things, no cultural or generation gap between them. Just a genuine friendship. Anouk had been pleased last night when Fabian had rung to wish her a Happy Easter and had had a naughty tone to her voice when she’d thanked him and said it was promising to be the best Easter for several years.

Indeed, this weekend was turning out to be different to the one Fern had planned for her and Anouk, but she wouldn’t change a thing. It was a long time since she’d had so much fun. And that was down to Scott, with his American go get ’em attitude, although it was clearly toned down these days. A polite version, Fern thought. He still oozed enthusiasm for life though and that all-American college-boy vibe that certain men carried off so well – Scott amongst them.