‘Oh, Soph, that’s wonderful!’ Jo felt a sudden lifting of her spirits, like the mist clearing from the river in a burst of late sunshine. ‘You do know the deal hasn’t gone through yet?’ she added anxiously. ‘I do hope Meredith isn’t being too ambitious. She’s used to snapping her fingers and having things happen yesterday, but Steph says she hasn’t encountered French bureaucracy yet. It normally takes ages to buy a French château and Meredith wants to start weddings as soon as possible.’

‘Based on what you’ve told me, between Meredith and any system, I’d back Meredith,’ replied her sensible daughter. ‘Anyway, I’d like to know what we’ll be in for if it does come off. And I’m not objecting to a quick break in the French sunshine. It’s been the wettest spring here anyone can remember. Even the pigeons have umbrellas!’

Jo began to laugh, her sense of proportion miraculously restored, thanks to her lovely daughter. Her marriage hadn’t been a complete waste of time if it had produced wonderful Sophie!

Steph and Jo had to admit that it was amazing watching Meredith in action. She had taken up residence in a room at Fleur-de-Lis known as the Library, although no one ever went there to read books. She produced all three of her phones – which she generally used for business transactions in Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai – and dedicated them to getting the job done.

Jo asked how it was all going.

‘You won’t be surprised to hear that the title, as Margot de Savarin so frostily reminded us, is impeccable. Some of the structure of the château, on the other hand, is worrying. There may have to be a negotiation. My ace negotiating skills may find a chink in the eight-foot walls where catapults and battering rams failed in the fourteenth century, and get something chipped off the asking price for repairs and building work.’

Jo grinned, imagining a modern-day jousting contest between Lady Margot and Lady Meredith. Even with all her friend’s business savvy, she wasn’t quite certain who would win – but it would certainly go viral on YouTube.

‘You’re looking more cheerful,’ Meredith commented.

Jo gave her a brilliant smile. ‘That’s because my daughter Sophie’s coming!’