‘She knows Alex is stealing alcohol from the Montgomery. She knows Rory really only wants to be doing his jigsaw puzzles.’

‘Rory and I think Alex is actually trying to get sacked. So that the decision can be taken out of his hands entirely.’

‘What decision?’

‘About staying at the Montgomery. Working there, let alone managing it one day. I know Rory wishes it was all out of his hands too. The puzzles aren’t just a hobby for him, Eliza. It could be a full-time business. A successful one.’

‘But what about the hotel? Olivia said either Rory or Alex will be the next general manager.’

‘Perhaps she should ask them first if either of them actually want the job.’

‘They don’t? Neither of them?’

‘Why not ask Rory yourself?’

Eliza turned. Rory was joining them again.

‘I was boasting about you, telling Eliza how successful your puzzles are,’ Milly said, as he took his seat beside her. ‘And she’s just asked me if you want to manage the hotel.’

‘Rory, I’m sorry,’ Eliza said. ‘What happens there is none of my business.’

‘I wish it wasn’t mine, either.’

‘But the hotel’s been in your family for generations, hasn’t it?’

He shook his head. ‘My father bought it at auction after the previous owners went bust. The first thing he did was rename it the Montgomery.’

‘But the website, your brochures – they all say it’s been family-run for four generations.’

‘It has,’ he said. ‘Just not by our family. It’s called marketing, Eliza. Don’t believe all you read.’

‘Then why have you stayed there so long?’

‘Because Dad asked me to and I promised him I would. Even though he doesn’t know who I am any more.’

‘You visit him?’

‘Of course. Twice a week. Alex goes once a week. He’s our father, Eliza. We love him.’

‘But what will you do if you are asked to be general manager?’

‘Milly and I talked about it today. I’ll say no. I’m not right for the job. Not only because I’d be useless at it, or because I’d rather be in my workshop.’ He glanced at Milly. She gave a subtle nod. ‘Milly and I are going to be pretty busy elsewhere soon.’

‘We’re having a baby, Eliza,’ Milly said, smiling. ‘I’m nearly three months pregnant. It wasn’t entirely planned, but now we can’t wait.’

‘We’re still deciding what to do next,’ Rory said after Eliza had congratulated them both. ‘Milly says she’s ready to move back here. I don’t want to be too far from Dad. But whatever happens, I don’t ever want to manage the hotel.’

‘So Alex will become the next general manager by default?’