As Elle was speaking to everyone that evening, Rob finally finished the roof. Temporary as the repairs might be, they were done, and it hadn’t cost the family a thing. He had done it as the last gift he could give them.

He went home and stood for a long time under the shower, letting the hot water pummel his aching back. Celeste had told him there would be a party on Saturday night. Where was his suit? she wanted to know.

He told her he wasn’t in the mood for any party but she wouldn’t hear a word of it, had in fact accused him of being a grumpy old man. Eventually, he gave in. He was curious about whatever Elle was up to, he had to admit it.

All day Friday, Elle and Hazel worked their secret magic on the hotel. Vans came and went, delivering clinking crates and boxes of food. Baskets of flowers were whisked through the halls. Molly had been fully reinstated, as well as a crew of helpers donated from The SugarTree Restaurant. They were hard at work in the kitchen, preparing a menu to Elle’s specifications.

Molly thought that some of the requirements were a little outlandish to say the least, but she would do her best. She hadn’t worked for the Hartes on and off for twenty-five years without forming a pretty firm attachment to her job, and the hotel.

To her surprise, working with Elle wasn’t as bad as she had feared. In fact, she seemed to know her way around the place as well as Anna had.

Wonders would never cease.

On Friday night, Elle and Hazel surveyed their work with pride. They clinked glasses and sat on the floor of the ballroom, which tomorrow night would be full of people.

‘It’s exactly as I imagined it,’ she sighed to her friend.

‘All that’s left now is to sit back and enjoy it,’ said Hazel.

‘Speak for yourself. My most important work is yet to come.’

Hazel waved a hand. ‘You’ve got nothing to worry about. People will be absolutely won over.’

‘It’s one person in particular I’m worried about,’ said Elle.

‘No use thinking about it,’ said Hazel. ‘Just concentrate on the next step.’

Elle supposed she was right. She could only deal with the things that were in her control. Everything else would have to be left up to fate.

Each occupant of the Bay Hotel slept well that night. Penny slept soundly, worn out from all her travels, and the sense that for the first time ever, she was starting to understand her father.

Ned slept soundly because he had renewed hope, his collection almost restored, and most importantly both of his daughters under the same roof once more.