He nodded. ‘I was thinking the same. We’ve become property tycoons, the pair of us, believe it or not,’ he explained to Olivia, then gave a self-deprecatory chuckle. ‘Well – I say that, but we’re just running a few holiday cottages, that’s all. Three altogether, barn conversions that—’

‘And we’ve had a cancellation,’ Lorna interjected, before Roy could go off on a tangent. He was rightfully proud of their little lettings business, but give him five minutes and he’d be talking you through the entire process, complete with drawing out the floor plans on a napkin. ‘A dear little cottage, minutes away from us, if you want it. All newly decorated. Sea views. Your own kitchen and living room.’

‘It’s empty until Friday,’ Roy put in. ‘You’d be doing us a favour, really.’

‘You’d be very welcome,’ Lorna agreed.

They were both beaming at her, delighted with their own idea. Olivia blinked, unable to respond for a moment as she took in what they were offering. It was peak holiday season and every last guesthouse and B&B in Falmouth would be stuffed to the gills. Where else could she go? A hideaway, a sanctuary, a cottage of her own for a few days would be a million times nicer than sleeping in the car again, facing the music at home or answering tough questions at her dad’s place. At Lorna and Roy’s holiday cottage she could prolong any big decisions, at least for a short while. She would have privacy. A bed to herself.

‘There’s even a pool,’ Lorna added proudly, as if Olivia needed any more persuading.

Olivia could hardly take it all in. She felt stunned with gratitude that they were willing to scoop her up like this, that they could provide the exact thing she needed. With quiet, empty rooms and the luxury of time to herself, it would be a holiday from real life. God knows she needed one. ‘Yes, please,’ she said.

Mawnan Cottage turned out to be the loveliest place imaginable. Originally a stable, it was built of stone and still retained its chunky original door, but inside was a haven of cool greys and crisp white, spotlessly clean, with a huge comfortable sofa and a huge comfortable bed. All for her. She became quite overwhelmed as Lorna showed her round. ‘I can’t – this is too much. At least let me give you some money,’ she protested, as they reached the bathroom with its power shower and gleaming bath (with not a squirty toy or Hulk flannel to be seen. She had forgotten such bathrooms even existed).