‘All ages, all backgrounds. Not many couples, to be honest. People looking for an activity holiday that isn’t too physical, if you don’t count gardening as heavy manual work. But from next week The Haven will come into its own, with a whole range of holistic treatments on offer. From meditation, to Reiki and, very soon, an introduction to a personal fitness trainer. All in addition to everything from art classes to woodworking and pottery. Cooking lessons, too. It’s a long, long list,’ I explain.

‘So, it’s not a holiday they’re looking for, exactly?’ she asks, puzzled.

‘Well, not really, although that might have been the case in the past. Visitors come here to get away from their crazy lives. In future, it will be to learn coping techniques to de-stress and give them the tools they need to survive modern-day living, I suppose. It’s an exciting new venture for everyone involved.’

Hannah stops and when I turn towards her, she throws her arms around me and we hug. ‘I’ve missed you, sis,’ she whispers. ‘I’m happier now I’ve seen where you are, and I know Aiden will be fine now he’s back to his usual, sensible self. I mean, opal mining – what was he thinking! I wasn’t sure you would cope, being on your own when it wasn’t really your choice. I was worried you’d be lonely without a family you feel you have to check up on all the time.’

‘You know me so well, Hannah. Please don’t worry about me, though, because I’m fine. And I’m thrilled about you and Liam. Love happens when it happens, and you can’t do anything about that. As long as you each put the other person first you can’t go far wrong, in my opinion.’

‘Like you did, indulging Aiden when it was clearly the last thing you wanted. But, ironically, it wasn’t quite so daft an idea, after all, because even Mum and Dad thought you were in need of a little time for yourself. I know we don’t talk about Rachel very often, but you kept us all ticking over. So, enjoy every moment of your time here, please, Fern, because we all want what’s best for you.’