‘I don’t think that’s really for you. You do have to pay back the money – or your children will after you die – and really, you’re a bit young for equity release. If the money was for you I might feel differently about it. But think how hard you had to fight to keep your house, the house left to you by your parents. You shouldn’t have to compromise that.’

‘OK, so what about me selling? I could downsize?’

‘You could, of course you could. But that would mean giving up your business and you’re so good at it I can’t believe you don’t enjoy it. TripAdvisor,’ he added, before she could argue. ‘Your reviews. I don’t think you want to sell.’

Gilly felt a bit stubborn. ‘Maybe I’m tired of running a B & B?’

‘If you are, then you should sell, but are you really? You’re a comparatively young woman. Do you want to retire? Or maybe travel? Have an adult “gap year”? Do something else with your life?’

‘You were supposed to be talking me out of selling, not offering alternative lifestyles,’ Gilly said, and then realised she’d sounded a bit grumpy.

‘I’m pressing you because I know you love your B & B, your home, and that TripAdvisor tells me it’s one of the best places to stay in the area.’

‘If you think that flattery …’ But Gilly didn’t finish her sentence. She knew he would see the smile that she’d couldn’t suppress. She was one of the best B & Bs in the area and no, she wasn’t remotely ready to downsize and retire.

‘I’m not flattering you, Mrs Claire, I’m telling you the facts as I see them. Of course, it’s your decision.’

‘But you think I should say no to any requests for money?’

He smiled. ‘I think you should try very hard to say no, but I do realise how difficult that is for you. You have a very kind heart.’

He had told her before that she was the only client who felt obliged to bring shortbread for the staff and she knew that as an accountant he didn’t see having a kind heart in quite the same way as, for example, a vicar would. ‘Well, I will try to stand firm,’ she said at last.

‘Good. But while you’re here, I wonder if I could take advantage of your kind heart and consult you about a party I’m organizing for the eightieth birthday of one of my aunts.’

‘Oh?’

‘I was wondering if you knew anything about January Barn. Would it be suitable for a family party, with lots of the family being quite elderly?’

‘Oh yes. I quite often have people who are going to events there and they all say it’s lovely.’