‘There’s a place for you long-term if you want it, Fern. There’s no time limit, the offer is open-ended.’

I drag my eyes away from his face, reluctantly. ‘Thank you, Nico. But I don’t think my future is destined to be here. The thought is lovely on one hand, but to stay would mean my life had fallen apart. This will always represent a very special time for me, though. And I’m glad to be a part of this new phase, until my year is up at the end of June.’

It seems strange being at the halfway point in my stay. A year felt like a long time to begin with, but now it seems to be speeding along.

‘Are we dancing this evening?’ he asks, and I laugh.

‘Yes, we’re dancing.’

It’s been a good day, much has been achieved, so why wouldn’t we?

Ceana calls for quiet as Nico begins speaking. ‘Before we set up the karaoke and let off some steam, can we just run through our proposed plan for revising the accommodation under the new regime?’

Quiet descends around the table as everyone is keen to know about the final changes.

‘This was a tough decision, guys, and I don’t want you to think it was taken lightly. In order to justify the increased rate we’re going to be charging to guarantee a reasonable income for all, we have to move the guest accommodation back into the château. That means the two courtyard units will, in future, be the staff quarters.

‘Bastien, my friend, that includes moving you out of the second floor of the cottage, too, I’m afraid. It doesn’t increase the number of places we can offer, which will stay at sixteen rooms in total, but it frees up a couple of additional practice rooms in the cottage.’

Nico pauses, glancing briefly at Ceana, who takes over.

‘One of those will be turned into a consulting room ready for when our final staff member joins us, hopefully early in March. Then all of the nine staff bedrooms in the two units will be occupied. So, we’ve gained our new quiet rooms and utilised all the available space in the most productive way. Offering bedrooms in the château again is going to be a big part of the overall package and that will get us the premium we need.’

Nico looks around to check everyone’s reaction. ‘Feel free to speak your mind. I know it’s been a tough few weeks.’

Bastien leans forward in his chair. ‘You mean I get to bump into these guys on the landing? What’s the world coming to?’

Everyone begins to laugh.

‘No problems here,’ Taylor jumps in.

‘Show of hands? Those in favour?’ Ceana asks.

One by one the hands go up, and both Nico and Ceana look relieved.