‘Maybe, but Taylor is such a reserved and polite young man. I haven’t spoken to him directly, but I just happened to be within earshot of them yesterday. I took a little walk down to the allotment early evening after they’d taken themselves off to the orchard with the guitars. It all seemed very innocent.’

And I thought I was a mother hen, keeping an eye on everyone.

‘I do wish I could stay on, but there are things I have to do back at home. This little break is wonderful, though. And a blessing. Nico is a very interesting man. I suppose all artists are a little temperamental, but he seems quite intense.’

‘I suppose he is, but running this place demands a lot of his time. I imagine that can be rather frustrating when his work is calling him,’ I reflect.

She takes a deep breath in, gazing out over the low-level shrubbery in the sweeping border that edges the lawn. Behind it are some standard rose bushes.

‘I love roses,’ she says, nostalgically. ‘My husband, Fred, has spent his life tending our collection, but this year they haven’t fared so well.’

‘That’s a shame and what a pity he couldn’t take this little trip with you. It sounds like his idea of paradise.’

A frown knots her forehead. ‘He isn’t well. It’s been a tough year, but my brother insisted I take a break.’

‘Oh, Patricia, I’m so sorry to hear that. As a carer it’s vital to be able to step away for a while. My heart goes out to you.’

‘He’s been an avid gardener all his life and can spot a greenfly at thirty paces! Can you smell the perfume in the air?’

I sniff and then sniff again, savouring that little floral hint that hadn’t even registered with me.

‘Yes, I can, now you mention it.’

‘One of life’s little bonuses. Thank you, Fern,’ she says, turning to face me.

‘For… what, exactly?’

She laughs. ‘For being you.’

‘Me? Really?’

‘You put me at ease. I feared I’d make a mistake coming away on this trip, alone and at a low ebb. But it was important to me for all sorts of reasons I can’t put into words. And I’m so glad I didn’t go with my instincts to simply head back to the airport. Cold feet,’ she explains, winking at me.

It makes me chuckle.

‘Well, I’m glad you stayed, too. And I know Kellie is; I think she felt the same way you did on Monday and you encouraged her.’

I glance at Patricia, who nods her head.

‘Ahh. Anyway, I must go. Nico is heading in this direction and he probably needs to talk to you.’