‘M-morning,’ she said, trying to sound bright and breezy. She’d actually been lost in thought, pondering what to wear when she went kayaking with Conor. He’d issued the invitation, almost a challenge, over coffee this morning after expressing disappointment that she’d not done more exploring at the weekend. When she’d explained that she was exhausted after a week on her feet, he teased her that she needed to man up and that kayaking would be easy on her feet.

‘And how are our fine ladies, this morning?’ She knelt in front of one of the hens who immediately bustled up, feathery breeches swaying with busy intent, to check out the food situation. Adrienne laughed and petted her before throwing down a handful of potato peelings and pea pods.

‘They’re all good,’ said Hannah with a fond smile. It might be cupboard love but there was something satisfying about being greeted with so much enthusiasm on a morning.

‘Grand. I see you’ve a real fondness for the ladies.’

‘I’ve got used to them. They’re all so funny and they have such distinct personalities. It’s like the school playground.’ She paused. ‘Those two are too cool for school and keep themselves to themselves. That one likes to be in the thick of everything, like the queen bee of gossip. That one is the attention-seeking, naughty one and that little gaggle over there are the giggling herd that follow the leader and she’ – Hannah pointed to a pure white hen– ‘fusses over everyone.’

‘Ah, that’s Agnetha.’

Hanna gave her a questioning look.

‘After the blonde one in Abba, because of her colouring. We don’t name all of them, only the ones who really stand out. She’s always been the bossy, mother-hen one.’

Hannah grinned with sudden awareness.

Adrienne narrowed her eyes in mock offence. ‘And yes, Conor and Fergus said she ought to be called Adrienne.’

‘I didn’t say a word.’

‘You didn’t need to. It was written all over your face. Hannah, darlin’, you’re an open book.’

Behind her back, Hannah crossed her fingers. She really hoped she wasn’t.

After gathering up the haul of eggs, which still gave her a thrill, she headed towards the big farmhouse kitchen.

‘I’ll see you in the kitchen. This week we’ll be focusing on cooking with eggs. It’s going to be so much fun.’