‘Pierce and I are in discussion with our accountant about revised pay scales that will come into effect in January, to reflect the increased course fees. We won’t be offering volunteer status any longer, so we need to look at how that will affect Fern and Kellie going forward,’ Nico confirms. I wasn’t expecting that, and I don’t think Kellie was, either.

‘We have no idea how many weeks of the year we’ll run at our target eighty-five per cent occupancy,’ Pierce explains. ‘The intention going forward is that we agree, as a group, set holiday weeks when we close The Haven. But what Nico tells me has traditionally been the quieter time has turned out not to be the case this year and you all kept going. At the end of the first year, a staff bonus will be paid to reward your hard work and commitment.’

Everyone is stunned, but Pierce continues. ‘Nico is very clear about that. It never was simply about making a profit for the sake of it, but building something we can all be proud to be a part of. However, the financial burden on Nico in the past has been phenomenal and it’s up to us now to grow our reputation to ensure that’s no longer the case.’

Kellie looks so happy, her smile lights up her eyes, but I’m beginning to wonder if, when I leave, I will feel like I’ll be letting the team down. As my mind starts to process Pierce’s words, Nico begins talking.

‘Pierce is now the official general manager of The Haven, and Ceana will become the supervising team manager. Anton will be joining us on a full-time basis as our head gardener and we will be drafting in help during our busiest months in the garden. Ceana will still teach horticultural lessons, in addition to some well-being classes. I will continue to run art classes, but the plan is to change the emphasis so we attract people who already have some level of experience. Now, let’s stop talking work and uncork the wine – we did it, guys. I think a toast is in order and thank you all for helping to make this happen. I feel privileged to be working alongside each of you.’

There’s a unanimous round of applause and Nico raises his hand to quieten us all.

‘Since the château was handed down to me, I always felt it deserved to be given a purpose. It is my home, but over the last few years it has become our collective home. I didn’t want it to become a sad, empty place in which one man shut himself away from the world. You all give it life and I couldn’t ask for any more than that.’