I try to turn my anxious look into a smile, but I don’t quite manage to pull it off.

‘No. Just a family call. We’re in different time zones which doesn’t help.’

He gives me a sheepish look. ‘I came to apologise for last night. And for anything I might have—’

‘It’s all right, please don’t feel you have to explain. I was just glad to help.’

He idly kicks the toe of his trainer against a tuft of grass. ‘It was the anniversary of my father’s death. Even from his grave he continues to haunt me, it seems. I, for one, should know better than to let the past drag me down, but it caught me unawares. Your discretion is appreciated, Fern. I mean it.’

With that, he turns on his heels and strides out purposefully in the direction of the art studio.

9

Still Waters Run Deep

Lunch is a low-key affair today. Margot was in early making up pack lunches for everyone and then she disappeared. Apparently, she won’t be back until late afternoon as she had a full-on day yesterday. Regretfully, I missed the late afternoon session where she demonstrated how to make croissants, but those who sat in on it said she made it look easy. Next week I’ll make sure I don’t miss out.

‘Is it okay if I join you?’

I peer up, squinting. Standing there, the sun’s rays are uncannily like a halo effect around Kellie’s head. I nod and smile back at her.

‘Of course. I only came out here because I had a long email to read and I wanted to send my husband some photos, but I’m done. My mum is keeping me up to date on all the latest news at home and she doesn’t leave anything out,’ I say, unable to hide the amusement in my voice. ‘But that’s my mum and I love her for it.’

‘You must miss them all. It’s a big change being here, isn’t it?’

I adjust my position as the rough bark on the tree begins to dig into my back.

‘Yes. But sometimes being taken out of your comfort zone is a good thing. It can give you a slightly different view of life. You didn’t fancy a fishing expedition, then? I bet it’s nice and cool down by the lake beneath the canopy of trees,’ I reflect.

Kellie lowers herself down next to me, screwing up her face.

‘I like the idea of fishing, but catching something on a hook seems cruel. I mean, I’ll happily eat the fish tonight after Margot’s cooked it, but I’m a bit squeamish. If I stop to think about where my food comes from, I end up living on chips. I went through that stage for a while a few years back and it wasn’t much fun,’ she admits.