‘Ah,’ he says, and waves us to a table. ‘Welcome,’ he says, and pulls out a chair. I’m grateful he doesn’t ask any questions. ‘Lunch?’ he says to Carine and then to me. ‘I have lamb today.’ He points to a small chalkboard with today’s plat du jour on it. ‘Or coffee? Maybe an aperitif.’

‘Just coffee, please,’ I say.

‘Sure?’ Carine says. ‘Henri’s plats du jour are always delicious.’

‘Merci.’ He nods, his hands behind his back.

‘I have cooking to do myself,’ I say.

‘You are a chef?’ he asks.

‘No. I used to enjoy cooking. I’m hoping I might again.’

‘Bon,’ Henri says. ‘It’s an important part of everyday life here in France. Perhaps you will come and try my food another day.’

‘I’d love to.’ I mean it. ‘But right now, coffee would be lovely.’

‘Of course.’ He goes into the kitchen and soon brings out two coffees with minute croissants on side plates. ‘Enjoy,’ he says, and retreats inside.

‘Henri is always more generous than is good for him,’ Carine remarks.

‘This place is great. I’m seeing so much more of Ville de Violet than I have in the past six weeks.’

‘Well, you live here now. You are not a visitor!’ She raises her cup to me.

‘Carine, by the river, there’s a clearing. It looks like an art project, a blue settee …’

Carine laughs. ‘It’s not an art project.’ She dabs her mouth with a paper napkin. ‘It’s for ’omeless persons.’

My eyebrows shoot up.

‘Yes, of course! People give furniture for them to sit on.’

Only in France, I think. A beautiful piece of furniture for people to sit on with some dignity.

Suddenly I see three women I recognize walking towards me down the shaded lane. They are carrying baskets and wearing sunglasses. They are part of the expat community Ollie was so keen for us to join. Will I have to explain my situation? Am I ready to do that? My contentment is replaced with anxiety. I hope they’ll just nod and keep walking.

They stop. ‘Del? We heard your house had been taken off the market.’ Cora, the middle one, pushes her sunglasses up on to her head.

‘Um, yes,’ I say, not wanting to expand.

‘Does that mean Ollie will be available for quiz nights after all?’ She beams.

I swallow. ‘No, it’s just me staying.’

‘I can see that must be difficult for you. I can only imagine how it must feel if your partner leaves you. But you seem to be bearing up.’ She looks between me and Carine.

I open my mouth to say that I left Ollie, not the other way round, but close it again.