I can’t help wondering whether Ceana’s happiness is because she’s grateful to Pierce for taking a lot of the pressure away from Nico, or whether it’s personal. It would be wonderful if there’s a spark developing between the two of them. Loneliness is a terrible thing, and these two are workaholics who would both benefit from being with someone who can empathise.

I text as I walk, just quick responses to Owen and Hannah’s one-liners. Aiden was very subdued again yesterday morning on Skype. I think as the days pass, he’s feeling torn about leaving the project. He’s grown very close to several people and one family in particular. Having helped rebuild their house after a fire, I sense he feels guilty about heading off to travel simply for the fun of it. But the community development internship in Mexico is for twenty-four weeks, and that’s driven by the Mexican Immigration Laws; the voluntary workers visa applies to those undertaking non-remunerated work and if he stays on he'll be in breach of that.

But what I fear most is that his relationship with Joss is changing. He never mentions her, but she’s always hovering in the background. Maybe I’m being a little paranoid as they are part of a much larger group now, or maybe he feels awkward about their friendship.

I let myself out of the back door of the château to traipse around in the garden with secateurs in hand. My stomach is churning as I think of Aiden. Nico asked what would happen if when I return it’s not the same. What if the man I married is different; so different I don’t feel I know him any more. I thrive on having people to take care of; that’s the role I’ve carved out for myself – daughter, sister, wife and homemaker. But they are all surviving without me fussing over them and when I go back it will be just the two of us trying to pick back up where we left off. Will Aiden and I feel like strangers for a while as we get used to being a part of a couple again, or the lovers we used to be?

The impression I get of Joss is that she’s a free spirit, living her life to the full on a daily basis. Which is fine, because she’s free and single, from the little Aiden has said about her; she doesn’t have a husband and responsibilities at home to put first. Life is easy when you only have yourself to please.

I wonder if Aiden finds that energising and exciting. He’s been in a committed relationship for all his adult life and I wonder if anything has changed in him since we’ve been apart.