‘True, but we couldn’t take any chances. Not on health and safety. Don’t forget – as well as the old stables, which are in very real danger of collapsing, there’s also a disused swimming pool over there, which is full of dirty water. God knows what’s lurking under the surface, and if someone happened to trip and fall, we wouldn’t find them until we start the renovation works.’ He laughs awkwardly.

‘Well, that was what I was trying to get a bit more of a feel for,’ says Shelley, looking a little embarrassed. ‘This is strictly between us, as my fellow Parish Councillors won’t thank me for it, but it looks like we’ll be objecting to the planning permission Tattenhall has applied for.’

‘On what grounds?’ says Leon, instantly agitated.

Shelley sighs. ‘The chairman thinks there’s enough of a holiday rental market within the town already; so not only will it bring more tourists in, but it will likely take the business away from a local, who needs all the bookings they can get.’

‘It’s five cottages,’ says Leon. ‘Buried so deep in the estate that they won’t even know they’re there.’

‘Hey, don’t shoot the messenger,’ says Shelley, holding her hands up. ‘I’m on your side. It’s just typical nimbyism and I’ll be reporting back favourably.’

‘Maybe I should invite the residents to come and see for themselves how little it will affect them,’ says Leon.

‘That might not be a bad shout,’ says Shelley, sipping on her wine. ‘When might you be able to do that?’

Leon rubs at his forehead; as if he hasn’t got enough to do. ‘As soon as the concert’s over with, I’ll get the place cleaned up a bit and put a post up on Nextdoor – see if anyone has any questions or wants to come and have a look.’

Shelley nods. ‘That’ll definitely help.’

Leon grimaces, but I can’t tell if it’s at her or me. Though any doubt is quashed when he says, ‘So how’s your day been, darling?’

I didn’t think it could get much worse, but now I’m not so sure.

‘Actually I won’t,’ I say, as he goes to pour me a refill. ‘I’ve got a bit of a headache.’ I hope that Shelley might take the hint.

‘You do look a bit heavy-eyed,’ is all she says.

My heart sinks as I wonder how long I’ve got to stand here and pretend everything is normal.

‘So, how have you been?’ Shelley asks, looking directly at me. It doesn’t sound like a question you’d ask someone you’d seen a couple of days ago.