‘I thought so. Hopefully it’ll blow over. At least she’s stopped lurking about in the vineyard.’

‘Only because Liam told her she was trampling on the vines.’

Meredith smiled. ‘Yes, he’s got a knack for handling Margot.’ She wished he had one for handling Jo. Nothing much seemed to be progressing there, when it had looked so hopeful. Pity – Meredith liked the man. There seemed to be something solid about him, unlike the ghastly Mark.

Walking in Steve’s wake, she surveyed the succession of rooms in different shades of green. It reminded her of being on holiday, when the sea changed colour according to the depth of the water.

When they put the furnishings back, plus the new antiques Sophie had picked up here and there, the rooms would look exceptionally elegant. A small flare of excitement penetrated the sense of anxiety that Lucille’s reappearance had created. It really wouldn’t be long now until Nicky’s wedding when the world, as well as the bride, would see what an incredible place the château would be to have your own romantic wedding. ‘Thanks, Steve. It looks terrific.’

Steve ambled off, looking quietly delighted.

Meredith found herself staring down at the Savarin River below.

‘Oh Dad,’ she whispered into the empty air, ‘at last I’d found a man I might be able to love, and now this. I shouldn’t care, but she’s got this luminous bloody beauty and I’m not even young any more. In fact, under all the hair dye and make-up, I’m almost old. Help me, Dad, help me decide what to do. I just can’t let myself get hurt, not at my age!’

She shook her head at her own stupidity. Her dad was dead and she didn’t believe in God so how could she appeal to – what? – a spirit? Some enduring angel? She was getting worse than the poor deluded souls who swallowed self-help books whole.

A noise behind her made her turn.

It was Sophie. ‘Philippe’s here,’ she announced, being careful not to imply anything in her tone that might make things worse. ‘He’s brought a bottle of your favourite rosé. I put him out on the terrace. Mum’s gone to get a couple of glasses. She says would you like some snacks?’

Meredith almost laughed out loud. Here she was in the middle of a life crisis being offered snacks. ‘No, I don’t want any snacks, but thanks for asking. Tell him I’ll be down in a moment.’

She headed for her bedroom and looked in the mirror. Whether she was going to end the relationship or decide to wait and see, with competition like Lucille she needed to look her best.