Hugo sank down onto the sofa, rubbing his hands over his face. ‘I didn’t think she’d really go,’ he mumbled. Then he lifted his head sharply, glaring at Clancy. ‘I expect you’re pleased!’

‘No.’ Clancy felt as if the truck that hit Hugo had given her a glancing blow. If Alice had gone … it left Clancy with Hugo. With Hugo! Caretaking duties or not, it would be untenable to share the Roundhouse with him. She had to suppress a shudder at the mere idea, not having it in her, at that moment, to feel sympathy for Hugo or concern for Alice. In fact, though she knew she had only to drive out of the village and she’d stand a good chance of ringing Alice in privacy, she disregarded the idea.

‘Did she say where she was going?’ she demanded.

‘I think it was “anywhere but here”,’ Hugo snapped.

Eyes pricking with tears, Clancy marched out of the front door. At first, she walked blindly, mind churning with this latest development, feet carrying her down the familiar route towards the cliffs. Once there, she slowed, tossing back her hair and gazing out at the sea shining merrily on what now seemed an inappropriately beautiful day.

Slowly, her initial feelings of panic and hurt began to settle. OK, so Alice had gone – again. Leaving Clancy with an uncomfortable situation to resolve – again. But she could do it.

It was possible that Hugo wouldn’t stay, though Clancy would be surprised if he’d give up a house easily. He had no real means of support, from what Alice had said. No, Clancy had already begun to consider the future and this merely accelerated the process.

As Kaz had promised to come back to Clancy on Oli’s reaction to her going into partnership with them Clancy hadn’t pressed for an answer, especially as only three days had passed, but, feeling slightly better at making up her mind to do something positive, she decided to go to see them now. She turned inland. The parasols were open above the tables in front of the B&B and Clancy could see Kaz bustling outside with a tray. Heartbeat steadying, she hurried across the grass, smile at the ready. Kaz had served some people clustered around a table and was heading indoors by now, empty tray swinging from her hand. When she caught sight of Clancy, she paused.

‘Hi!’ Clancy summoned up a smile, hoping ‘anxious for news’ wasn’t written on her face. ‘May I have a cappuccino, please?’ She dropped her voice. ‘But really I’m here to ask if there’s any progress? Did you talk to Oli? I know you said you’d need a few days to think but I couldn’t wait any longer.’

‘Why don’t you take a seat? I’ll join you in a minute.’ Kaz gave her a quick smile and turned away, leaving Clancy to choose one of the two empty tables, suddenly nervous. This was a turning point. If Kaz and Oli went for her idea then it could tie her to Nelson’s Bar for years to come, though she’d still have to find a temporary home until the deal was done. Then she’d buy a place and have a home and a business again, but one that was about as different to the last as was possible. If things went the right way with Aaron then she’d have a man who was a good deal different to the last, too. Aaron was stronger, more reliable, and more interested in adding beauty to the world around him than Will.