‘Usually, yes. But not if the mayor happens to be a good friend and keen to put Bratenac on the map – and annoy the mayors of Sarlat and Bergerac for good measure,’ grinned Philippe. ‘You’d be surprised how quickly things can happen then.’

‘I suppose we could even move the restaurant to the festival for the duration. My friend Pierre has one of those Airstreams you see at rock festivals with a flap that comes down like an open-air bar. I’m sure he’d lend it to us for a small fee. We could serve from that. Where do you see it happening?’

‘I thought on that large area near the river, but still close to the market car park, so the whole thing was manageable for producers.’

‘Doesn’t that belong to the château?’ Jean-Christophe avoided his father’s eye.

‘Don’t look like that, you cheeky bastard!’ laughed Philippe. ‘I’d hardly give up two weeks of my life just to be able to negotiate with the château, now, would I?’

‘I don’t know . . .’ responded his son with a grin.

‘Well, it’s got nothing to do with it!’ replied Philippe.

‘Of course not. You haven’t been going on any early-morning walks, I take it.’

‘Ça suffit!’ Philippe announced firmly. ‘Or you might be needing another job sooner than you think.’

‘As a matter of fact,’ Jean-Christophe smiled back, ‘I already have one at Fleur-de-Lis. So when do you see this festival happening?’

‘Six weeks from now.’

‘Not long, then.’

‘Better when things don’t take too long. You keep up the energy levels. It doesn’t have to be huge. The mayor will love it. He can put it on their website and show what a vibrant little town Bratenac is. Much more interesting than Sarlat or Bergerac!’

‘Ronnie’s arriving tomorrow,’ Steph announced to David as they prepared breakfast for the guests together.

‘That’ll be nice for you,’ replied David tactlessly. He had just noticed a message from Suzi on his phone, even though he’d asked her not to contact him. It was three red hearts in a row. Oh God.

‘I know you think I’m over the top about Ronnie. But you’ll soon remember why, once she’s here.’

‘Is Nicola coming too?’

‘Of course Nicky’s coming. She’ll be the star. If Ronnie will let her, that is.’

‘Where are you putting them?’

‘One good thing about the downturn in bookings is we can give them each a room. Ronnie was terrified by having to share a bathroom. Probably needs all the space for her make-up.’

‘Now, Stephie . . .’