Ernie didn’t seem to have a reply so Clancy turned to Kaz. ‘It’s just occurred to me – maybe it would be worth looking at a crowdfunding campaign? You might get something, which would be better than nothing.’

Kaz looked grateful but whispered, ‘I’m not really sure what that is.’

Clancy patted her arm. ‘We can research it.’

They both returned to their seats and Megan closed the meeting before making a beeline for Kaz to embark on a whispered conversation.

Aaron wouldn’t have minded a chat with her himself, as the presence of the B&B enhanced Roundhouse Row for guests. Roundhouse Row had been, to him, a conflict to be conquered and a pain in the bum, but these days it was a source of regular income in the summer. Under Clancy’s stewardship, bookings this year were now solid right up until October half-term.

As if she’d sensed him thinking her name, Clancy rose and turned, her gaze flying to his. With a tentative smile, she began to head his way. He edged behind Aunt Norma’s wheelchair to meet her.

At the same moment, Aunt Norma scrabbled for her crutches and tried to stand, obliging Aaron to catch the wheelchair to prevent it from tipping. ‘Ta,’ she said briefly, then intercepted Clancy. ‘This funding research, and the website. Do you get commission?’

The smile that had begun in Clancy’s eyes dimmed. ‘No, Mrs Farrow,’ she replied stiffly. ‘If you were about to volunteer in my place, I promise I won’t step on your toes.’

Then Ernie was upon them. ‘Now, Norma,’ he boomed. ‘Clancy’s a good girl. You leave her alone.’

As Norma turned to answer, Clancy slipped past. Exasperated, Aaron glanced around to check his mother was nearby to manage Aunt Norma’s wheelchair and crutches, trying to ignore a grumble from Aunt Norma that sounded like ‘Alice could always soft-soap people too’, then he headed off after Clancy.

Behind him, Ernie’s volume rose. ‘Your great-nephew could do a lot worse than Clancy, you know.’

Then an indignant ‘What do you mean?’ from Aunt Norma. ‘Which great-nephew?’

Aaron put on a spurt. Aunt Norma was quite capable of hollering after him as if he were about six and he didn’t want to offend her by ignoring her. He spotted Oli moving to intercept him, a frown on his forehead and lips parted on a question, but Aaron dodged with a breathless ‘Let’s get together to talk soon, shall we? Sorry, got to go.’

It only remained to sidestep Genevieve, with an apologetic ‘Sorry! Need to talk to Clancy.’ Then he was free to wind his way impatiently through those already leaving the meeting via the path at the side of Megan’s house.

A quick glance left and right and he caught a glimpse of Clancy striding between the sunbeams dancing in Marshview Road in the direction of the footpath to the cliffs, chestnut hair flying.

He broke into a run and in moments was beside her, catching his breath as they marched up the path. ‘I hope Aunt Norma didn’t come across as too irascible.’