‘I’m hungry, how about you?’ His tone is teasing. Is he flirting with me now? How would I know – it’s been a long time since I’ve really studied another man other than my husband, looking for the telltale signs.

‘Starving,’ I admit as we make our way out into the sunshine.

Walking towards the day room, Ceana approaches, walking quickly.

‘Nico, an animal got into the forge last night and did quite a bit of damage. Dee-Dee and I have been helping Bastien, but we both have sessions this afternoon. He needs to make the back wall good, but he can’t finish it off by himself.’

Nico frowns and I immediately interrupt.

‘I’ll help out. I bet John would join in, too, if I asked him. That means two less in your class though, Nico.’

‘If you’re sure you don’t mind, that’s fine by me.’

Ceana looks pleased. ‘That would be amazing, Fern. Thank you. If I can leave that in your hands then, I promised I’d help Margot in the kitchen.’

I watch as she studies Nico’s face for a moment and then glances across at me, a fleeting look of curiosity in her countenance. I hope she doesn’t feel I’m trying to usurp her position in any way, because I’m not.

To ensure there’s no misunderstanding, I follow her into the kitchen and work alongside her as she helps prepare a huge bowl of salad. We exchange some small talk and when she asks how things are at home, I tell her briefly about Hannah phoning to say she’s engaged. Then Aiden having to flee goodness knows what in the wilds of the Australian bush.

‘It’s hard when family are so far away, isn’t it? I get the same pulls. My mother is eleven years sober, but it’s still one day at a time. Childhood memories never seem to dull and every time the phone rings I fear what I’m going to hear. My father hasn’t been well and he’s the one who keeps her on track. But there’s not much I can do, other than be a listening ear. At least I’ll get to spend a little quality time with them. My cousin is getting married and it will be wonderful to have a good old Scottish celebration.’

The fact she has confided in me takes away my concerns. What I don’t know is how she feels about the time Nico is spending with me, but I have nothing to hide.

‘Of course,’ she says, leaning in towards me, ‘I’m not at all prepared. And a gardener’s nails aren’t really something anyone would put on show.’ She laughs.

‘Well, that’s something I can remedy. I have a manicure kit and some gel polish. We could sort that tonight, if you have time.’