Throwing open my bedroom window, I look out, not realising how late it is and no idea why my brain doesn’t seem to want to switch off tonight. I spin around to look at the painting I brought back to my room this afternoon.

Glancing up at the wall and that vibrant forest scene, I try to compare the two. When I first walked into the room, the painting captivated me. And even now, it’s still catching me unawares and drawing my eye. I’m a detail person but the crude brushstrokes are so clever, so inspiring, that it is a revelation.

Staring down at my own painting, I’m rather shocked at myself. It isn’t at all what I expected to create. The picture looks colourful but a little obscure. I grab a pillow off the bed and place it on the chaise longue, jamming it upright against the wall. Then I carry the sheet of paper across and lay it against the angled surface so it doesn’t slip off. I turn and walk across the room, almost fearful of turning back around. But when I do, what I see fills me with a feeling of elation. Up close, I saw rough blocks of colour, but stepping back it’s clearly a bowl of fruit. I’m happy. In fact, I’m amazed and feeling rather proud of myself.

A sudden noise outside draws me back to the window and I peer out into the gloom. Something, or someone, has fallen over and I can just about make out a shape next to one of the garden tables.

Quietly, I tiptoe down the two flights of stairs, trying to remember which of the treads creak the loudest. Being careful where I step, I keep the noise to a minimum to avoid waking anyone up until I know what’s going on. If it turns out to be an intruder, then I’ll be screaming at the top of my lungs.

The front door is locked and I head through into the kitchen to find that the back door is wide open. Rushing over and stepping outside, I hear a loud groaning sound, but the mound on the floor doesn’t move. As I approach, I see that it’s Nico and I kneel down next to him.

‘What’s happened? Nico, it’s Fern. Can you stand?’

After a moment, he opens his eyes. ‘Ah, Fern. I missed my footing.’

The smell of alcohol is so strong that I recoil a little.

‘Nico, you need to stand up. Let me help you back inside.’

He lifts his head and I pick up his left arm, placing it around my shoulders so I can help lever him up. It’s not easy and it takes several minutes to get him back onto his feet. Nico leans quite heavily on me and it’s difficult steering him back towards the château.