‘Yes. There’s a heart hidden under that business suit.’

‘Better not let on to the duchess.’

No fake flattery was required when her pasta arrived. It was one of the best things she’d ever eaten. Jean-Christophe beamed with delight when she told him so.

‘Perhaps you could help me develop some more dishes for a menu végétarien?’ he asked shyly. ‘I am embarrassed at how little we address such things in France.’

Sophie replied that she was more than happy to do so, ignoring the broad grin on her mother’s face. ‘Anyway,’ she said sternly once he’d disappeared back to the kitchen, ‘back to basics. Do you think we could go and look round the château tomorrow?’

When they got back to Fleur-de-Lis they found that efficient Meredith had already arranged everything. Héloise and the duchess were expecting them the next day at eleven. Sophie couldn’t wait.

‘It’s lovely to see you so excited,’ her mother smiled as they set out next day after a late breakfast of fresh fruit salad and croissants left over by the guests.

‘I do love breakfast in France,’ Sophie announced. ‘So much nicer than my usual microwaved porridge!’

It was only a ten-minute walk and at this time they had it all to themselves. ‘I’ve given up saying what a beautiful day it is,’ Jo laughed, looking round at the landscape and river bathed in sunshine. ‘Because round here every day seems to be beautiful!’

‘Unlike home,’ sighed Sophie. ‘I adore the English spring, but this year it seems to have done nothing but rain.’

They turned away from the river and down a narrow path through the vineyards. Jo felt her nerves tighten like an overwound clock at the thought of bumping into Liam round any corner.

‘Are you OK, Mum?’ Sophie asked. ‘Only you look really weird.’

‘There are often strange bugs in the vine leaves,’ Jo lied unconvincingly. ‘You know me and bugs!’

‘Actually, I always thought you were pretty good with creepy-crawlies,’ Sophie replied. ‘I remember you picking up this absolutely ginormous spider when I was about two and throwing it out of the window. I thought you were the bravest mummy in the world!’

Jo felt a sudden wave of loss for that innocent time, when she’d thought her family life would go on forever. She put her arm round Sophie. ‘Indiana Mum! That’s me!’

When they arrived at the château they found Héloise and the duchess were already waiting for them in the Great Hall.

‘Wow!’ Sophie stared, amazed, at the twenty-foot-high fireplace surrounded by its ornately carved stone figures, all overseen by a stern medieval ancestor from his giant portrait above the chimney.

‘Who’s the snooty-looking gent?’ enquired Sophie.