Ceana is already unpacking the decorations and laying them out on the sofa. Behind her, Kellie, Taylor and Dee-Dee are working from a trestle table, assembling small bunches of holly, ivy and mistletoe. Nico is at the top of a ladder busily hanging them from the large oak beams as Odile hands them up to him.

It’s wonderful to see everyone working together, and hear their banter.

The door to the kitchen opens and the smell of meat roasting in the oven makes my stomach grumble.

‘No music?’ Margot calls out as she walks across to the table to lay out a couple of platters.

Bastien jumps up, pushing the last rock into the bucket to stabilise the tree, while Pierce gingerly holds it in place.

‘I’ll sort that now, Margot. Do you need a hand?’ Bastien enquires, always the kind-hearted one, first to offer help.

‘Please. There is much to be done.’ Today she’s dressed all in black, as usual, but she’s wearing a little blue scarf, tucked in at her neckline. That’s a sign that she intends to let down her hair and dancing will ensue.

The clock is ticking, but as I scan around, the ambience is truly wonderful. Christmas starts here, now. Everyone has switched off from work and it feels like the festive holiday has finally begun.

I’m so happy that Patricia is dropping in to see us, because everyone is putting in that extra little bit of effort in her honour. When she was here, I worried when she shied away from some of the group activities, but on an individual level she made time for everyone. It will also be a real pleasure to meet her husband before they head off to their holiday cottage for a relaxing Christmas. She’ll no doubt be relieved that he’s well enough to drive, and that’s a blessing.

‘I’m just popping into the garden to see if I can add some colour to the table centre,’ I say, leaning in to Ceana. She gives me a brilliant smile and it’s clear she’s feeling the festive vibe. ‘I won’t be long and then I’ll help you decorate the tree. There are still a few roses in bloom, nestled back against the high wall to the rear. I’m sure Nico won’t mind me rescuing them for us all to enjoy.’

‘Great idea,’ she muses. ‘A little pop of colour in winter is a treasure.’

We exchange nods and suddenly it strikes me how much brighter she’s been since Pierce arrived. Why hadn’t I noticed that before? He’s also much more easy-going now, but then I’ve come to understand that he’s a man who lives by his ethos. Order in everything is his favourite mantra and until that has been achieved, he can’t relax.