‘No. Your personal style is just that and you seem to lean towards the abstract. It reminded me of the work of Michele Tragakiss, an artist whose work is very popular right now. You surprised me, Fern. What I really wanted to ask you this afternoon was whether you’d like to have a go at painting on a proper canvas. The door to my private studio is always open and it bothers no one. I often end up there late at night if I can’t sleep. I usually paint for a couple of hours until the brush is about to fall out of my hand. What do you think?’

A little bubble of excitement leaps up from my stomach into my chest at the tantalising thought of that next brushstroke.

‘That’s very kind of you, Nico, but I simply wouldn’t know where to start. I’d hate to waste a perfectly good canvas when I have no idea what I’m doing.’ It’s the truth, but I’m also afraid of messing up and embarrassing myself in front of him. It’s not like me to feel so vulnerable, and yet I do.

‘Well, it didn’t look like that to me. Besides,’ his smile drops suddenly as I force myself to look at him, ‘I need to ask you a big favour. I was rather hoping the temptation of access to my studio would mean you wouldn’t refuse me.’

Now he’s piqued my interest.

‘Hmm. I’m tempted before I even know what I’m getting myself into,’ I confess.

‘Ceana has to return home for a few days because her cousin is getting married. She’ll leave at lunchtime on Friday but won’t get back until Tuesday afternoon. She acts as my deputy, as you’ve no doubt already discovered. We get our heads together when the new visitors arrive and try to pick out those who are a little more reserved. The aim is to buddy them up with someone, although it doesn’t always work. Just for the first session in most cases, although sometimes it instigates genuine friendships.’

I nod, having seen her in action.

‘Ceana checks in with all of the tutors every day to make sure there aren’t any problems and is generally my eyes and ears. I need someone to step into that role while she’s away. Plus, we have three visitors here over the weekend to keep an eye on in case they need anything, so it would really help me out. She says I walk and talk too quickly and that’s why it’s not easy for me to sidle up to people and check they are okay. Intense is the word she uses.’ He grimaces, and I burst out laughing. When he’s relaxed, it’s like talking to a different man.