‘Tamsyn Edwards Designs,’ Tamsyn said. ‘I’ve looked and looked for premises in the town where I can design, make and fit my frocks, but there isn’t anywhere that has the drama and theatre that I am looking for. And then I had this idea – Castle House. I never really wanted to move out, I just thought you must be fed up of me taking your home for granted. But now, well, I want to move back in. Not to all of it, just one wing, the one that you have currently filled with an assortment of chairs. I’d pay you rent, of course, and, best of all, once you make part of Castle House a business that is employing local people it makes you eligible for all sorts of grants and help with keeping up the building.’

‘So there would be people coming and going all day?’ Sue asked her.

‘We could make a separate entrance, use one of the side doors, but actually I don’t think it would be a lot of people. I’d make the dresses there, but I can travel to see and fit clients. And there is another thing, Sue. I want you to work for me, for a wage. I want you to be my logistics manager. You are so brilliant at organising things, so why not be paid for it, and best of all you wouldn’t even have to leave home!’

‘Oh,’ Sue said. ‘Really?’

‘I know it’s a lot to think about. But you have no idea how much money that building can make if you let it, and you wouldn’t have to stop letting it be your home. I mean, you could rent it out to film and TV companies, for magazine shoots – it’s so beautiful, it’s got so much potential. I just don’t think anyone with half a business head has ever sat down with you and talked you through the possibilities. Imagine if you put half the effort into making Castle House pay as you did in organising the people of Poldore, you’d never have any money worries again.’

Sue smiled tentatively. ‘Do you really think so?’

‘I do,’ Tamsyn said.

‘But while I am working for you, and turning Castle House into a going concern, who is going to organise the pageant or the Easter passion play, or the May fete, or the summer solstice festival …’

‘All of us,’ Tamsyn said. ‘Everyone in Poldore. We’re a great community, and a large part of why we are is you, always keeping us together, always keeping us going. Now it’s time to let us take over, Sue, and look after yourself a little bit.’

Sue buried her head in her hands and wept, as Tamsyn wound an arm around her shoulders.

‘Mummy!’ Meadow came across at once, wriggling her way into Sue’s arms. ‘Why are you crying?’