‘Ha! Ha! I did wonder. But give you your due, lady, you’ve done well. It feels like you’ve always been here, Fern. Volunteers come and go, but you’re a real team player and you fitted in from day one. And Nico appreciates that you’ve been able to take some of the pressure off Ceana. You know, keeping a general eye out.’

I’m flattered and it means a lot to hear Dee-Dee say that. She’s a straight-talking woman and I like that about her.

‘There’s always something happening here, and you never know from one minute to the next what you’ll get pulled into,’ I reflect, biting into the plum with some difficulty, wondering why they are so hard.

‘Yes. Like weeding and picking not-quite-ripened plums, ready for Margot’s chutney-making class on Tuesday.’

It’s too late and my face puckers up as the tartness hits my taste buds, making me shudder. I walk over to the bin and toss it in, half tempted to spit out the piece in my mouth. Dee-Dee is trying her best not to laugh.

‘Hmm. I did wonder why they were so hard. You can tell I’m no gardener, although it was a lovely way to end the week. Guess I’ll head off and get some paint on that canvas then, unless you want some help with that?’

‘No, it’s fine. Odile has written instructions about how to reheat the rabbit pies Margot left prepared for tonight’s dinner and I’m almost done here. Enjoy having some quiet time while you can. You’ve earned it.’

‘Thanks, Dee-Dee, see you later.’

Walking back to the château, I wave to Kellie and Taylor, who are wheeling bicycles. They wave back and I watch as they mount up and cycle out of the courtyard. Guess it really is going to be a quiet day as everyone seems to have disappeared.

As I head inside, a jangling sound comes from my pocket. It’s a Skype call and I yank out my phone, eager to see who it is.

‘Aiden, what a surprise. I thought it was going to be Mum.’

‘We’re in a motel with good Wi-Fi, plenty of hot water and reasonably comfortable beds. It’s basic but feels like luxury after the last week. What are you doing?’

‘Just heading into the château. Take a look.’ I reverse my phone and pan around slowly.

‘Hey, that’s impressive. I didn’t realise it was such a big place.’

‘I’m heading into Nico’s private studio to do some painting. Do you have a few minutes?’

‘I’m all yours. The only thing on the agenda is going in search of a big steak in a little while. Then a few beers.’