Anouk was silent for several seconds. ‘I think we’d get on very well together, but I worry about saying yes. What ’appens if things change? You’re still a young woman. If you and Scott become a couple, or if not ’im, you meet someone else, who doesn’t want an old woman hanging around.’

For once Fern was glad to see a herd of cows blocking the country lane ahead. She stopped the car and turned off the engine. This was an important moment in both their lives. She had to get it right.

‘Anouk, whether I meet someone else or not is immaterial. I promise you that you will always be a part of my life, living with me for as long as you want to. I could never have a relationship with anyone who didn’t accept that. It will be a case of love me, love Anouk. Understand?’

Anouk nodded. ‘I don’t want to be a burden.’

‘You will never be a burden to me,’ Fern said. ‘I know there will be occasional days when, for some reason or other, we might irritate each other, but we’ll make a pact that when that happens we will talk about it. Not brood.’

Anouk reached out and patted her arm. ‘You’re the daughter I never had.’

Fern smiled at her and patted her arm back, pretending not to notice the tears glistening in Anouk’s eyes.

‘So we’ll start putting things into motion this week then? Tell Fabian and Carole, decide what you’d like to bring to make your room feel like your home. I’ll come and help you pack up things and we can start to take clothes and other bits and pieces over and then move you slowly to the auberge. How does that sound?’ Fern said, starting the engine again as the last of the cows disappeared into a field and the farmer waved his hand in acknowledgement.

‘Not too slowly, I hope,’ Anouk said. ‘At my age, I can’t afford to wait too long. I think next week would be a good date to aim for. Will Scott still be staying?’

‘No idea,’ Fern said. ‘I don’t know how long he plans to stay. There is one thing though,’ and she glanced across to Anouk, ‘just don’t expect every weekend to be like this last one. Scott made Easter extra special. The season starts soon and Saturday becomes changeover day – the busiest day of my week.’

‘I can ’elp,’ Anouk said. ‘It will keep me out of mischief.’

The rest of the journey to Huelgoat passed quickly as the two of them made plans. Fern in particular was looking forward to being able to keep a proper eye on a woman she was very fond of.