Harry ordered them both a drink at the bar and then nodded towards the terrace. ‘Let’s go outside; it’s less noisy.’

The evening was cooler than he’d thought, and he noticed Steph shivered as they stepped out through the bifold doors. ‘Wait right there,’ he said, placing the glasses on the edge of the wall, and nipped down the steps, returning with a soft fleece shawl. He wrapped it around Steph’s shoulders. ‘We keep these shawls and blankets dotted around the outdoor-seating area in the evenings.’

‘Thanks; it’s so hot in there you forget that it can be a bit chilly in the evenings.’

‘So, how have you enjoyed your first day at Conmere?’ he asked.

‘It’s been good. Ten out of ten, so far.’

‘That’s good to hear. The health spa is our big investment. What have you got planned for tomorrow?’

‘I thought I’d go on a wild walk,’ she replied. ‘I’d like to explore the grounds and maybe get some photos.’

‘You take photos as well as write the reports?’ he asked.

‘The photography is a hobby really, but my boss wants me to get a few shots while I’m here.’

‘I’d be interested to see those,’ said Harry. ‘What wild-walk route were you planning on taking?’

‘I quite like the sound of the two-hour hike mentioned in the brochure. The one that goes up by the lake.’

Harry felt his stomach muscles tighten a little. ‘The lake? You can get some nice shots up there.’

‘I thought I’d get some angles that hadn’t been covered on the website or in the brochure,’ she said.

‘You need to be careful up there,’ he said, concerned she might not realise how challenging parts of the lake area could be. ‘The north side of the lake isn’t a good place for an inexperienced walker. In fact, the official path doesn’t even go that side of the water. We highly recommend guests keep to the south side.’

‘That’s exactly my point,’ she said. ‘I want shots that you can’t get by being the usual guest. I’ll bear your advice in mind though.’

Harry got the distinct feeling that Steph probably did what she wanted to do most of the time and didn’t take the advice offered. ‘I’m serious – you can’t just go walking alone in places like that.’

‘I haven’t got anyone to come with me,’ she said.

Harry knew he probably shouldn’t say what he was about to but he was going to anyway. ‘Why don’t you let me come with you? That way I can make sure you’re OK.’

‘Thanks; if you have time, I’d like that.’