‘Your rich friend Meredith’s made an offer for a French château and plans to throw the most romantic weddings in France,’ her daughter instantly replied.

Jo almost dropped her drink. ‘How on earth did you know that?’

‘Because she’s already posted it on Instagram!’

‘I hope that was wise; she’s only just beginning negotiations. It could take ages.’ But Jo was starting to understand that Meredith’s business methods were highly unconventional. And yet, judging by her enormous success and obvious wealth, remarkably successful.

‘The thing is, Soph,’ Jo went on nervously, ‘she’s asked me to join her – be a partner and run the weddings side of it.’

There was a pause at the other end of the line before Sophie replied. ‘That’s amazing, Mum! What an opportunity for you.’

Jo smiled to herself. How like her daughter to be so unselfish. ‘Not only that, she asked if you would consider getting involved as well?’

There was no hesitation this time. ‘I love weddings!’ Sophie enthused. ‘I’ve been to about a million of them, and I always think how I could do it better myself. I’ve been feeling a bit stuck here,’ she added. ‘No boyfriend, and my friends are all getting married!’ She laughed. ‘Tell her yes, yes and yes! I’ll come over and have a look as soon as this exhibition closes. It’s been going really well, in case you want to know. Nearly all the paintings sold, and the gallery got a write-up in The Times as an exciting one to watch!’

Jo smiled, feeling guilty at not having even thought about the exhibition – and even more guilty about not having realized Sophie was feeling stuck. Maybe if Meredith’s plan for the château came off, it would be just what they all needed.

Jean-Christophe pushed the irritating strand of long black hair out of his eye for the third time. Perhaps he should wear a ridiculous bandeau, like Rambo. He had once loved those old movies, and the shoot-em-up video games they spawned even more. He smiled, remembering how shocked his dad had been, because Jean-Christophe was such a gentle lad.

He went on chopping, using the knife Philippe had given him. It had originally been passed down from his grandfather, Antoine, who still lived with them despite his dementia. Philippe refused to consider putting Antoine in a home. Jean-Christophe sometimes wondered if that had been a factor in his decision to leave Paris and the restaurant so suddenly. But even though it was a long time ago, Jean-Christophe felt it was somehow more connected to his guilt at the failure of his marriage, even though it was a long time ago, and the need to come home and find meaning in a simpler life.

Jean-Christophe would never forget the moment his mother had come into his room to wake him up and tell him she was going and would always love him.