She’d known it would be a delicate situation, arriving into their young lives as their father’s new wife, not only Australian but, at thirty-three, ten years his junior too. Their mother had died five years earlier. It wasn’t a swift remarriage, but even so, Alex resented her. He’d been an angry child. Angry at her. Angry at his father. Angry at his mother for getting cancer and leaving him. His anger had evolved into sharp wit and charm, but there was often still tension between him and Olivia.

In recent years they’d at least established a working relationship. All assisted by Edgar’s foresight. Dementia was a cruel disease, but they’d had some warning. Edgar put in place as much as possible before his decision-making ability was taken away completely. Olivia had been surprised to come into her office one day to find the Montgomery family lawyer there, a stern woman in her sixties called Deirdre. She’d informed Olivia that Edgar had appointed her, Deirdre, his power of attorney. Edgar had later explained it to her, so lovingly. He didn’t want Olivia to have the worry of running the business side of the hotel. He wanted her to enjoy the guest relations role, manage their art collection. Deirdre and their general manager would always keep Olivia informed, but they would make any major decisions. It had been such a relief.

He’d also told Olivia his great wish was that the Montgomery hotel would continue under the next generation. That one of his two sons would eventually take over as general manager.

A family meeting was called – Edgar, Olivia, Alex and Rory. It was a very sad day. First, Edgar had shared the news of his diagnosis with his sons. Olivia fought tears as she saw their shock, as they asked the questions she’d asked Edgar too. How fast would it progress? What would happen to him? Edgar was matter-of-fact. It could be months or it could be years. But he was grateful for this chance to prepare. He told them he loved them. He asked them to honour him and the Montgomery name by continuing to work at the hotel. To gain experience in all aspects of the business. He shared his hope that one of them would take over as manager one day. Rory was in tears by the end of the meeting. Alex was subdued. They both promised to do as their father asked. For the past three years, they’d worked in the hotel in a variety of roles, both paid well. They were shackled to the hotel, yes, but the handcuffs were golden and mostly comfortable.

The arrangement had suited Alex most of all, surprisingly. Edgar had recognised his oldest son’s strengths and weaknesses. Alex was over-confident, Edgar had said once to Olivia, but that could also lead to innovative risk-taking. He’d been proved right.

Two years earlier, Alex had called a meeting with Deirdre to propose turning the mews at the end of the hotel’s long garden into upmarket hostel accommodation. He’d got the idea while spending a month travelling Europe after finishing his hospitality management degree. Deirdre had seconded Lawrence, as general manager, to assess its potential.