‘I always had a departure in mind,’ he admitted shamefacedly. ‘But it became clear the first time I left, that I wouldn’t be leaving for a second time unless Penny wanted me to.’

‘And I certainly didn’t want you to,’ a gooey-eyed Penny said.

‘I just needed to introduce a little drama, to see if you actually wanted the benefit of my research skills, or me.’

They kissed and Elle smiled. If it was anyone else but her sister acting this goofily, she would have been sick. Penny was almost cross-eyed with happiness. Colin had declared that he was now a permanent fixture in Mulberry Bay, for as long as he was wanted. ‘A writer can take his work anywhere,’ he said airily. ‘And of course we still have those remaining records to track down. The quest continues.’

‘I think you two have done more than enough now,’ Ned said quietly. ‘I’m very happy with everything I’ve got so far.’

Penny’s eyes shone afresh, realising that he wasn’t just referring to the albums.

As it was, Elle was over the moon for her sister on both accounts. She guessed that recent events had helped her realise that Ned was Ned, and his behaviour towards her had absolutely nothing to do with any malice or preference. Elle could have told her that of course, but there were some things you needed to discover for yourself.

Last night, as he was leaving, old Arthur Ryan had whispered to Elle, ‘Penny got her man, why are you letting yours go?’

Elle had shrugged. If it was a matter of not letting go, then she would have held on tight.

But you couldn’t hold on to something that didn’t want to be held.

The thought of cleaning up dismayed them all. Rain streaked the windows, making it almost impossible to see the wild waves in the distance breaking on the beach with relentless rhythm.

‘It’s got to be done,’ said Penny, swiping the last of her rasher through tomato ketchup. Molly had treated the entire family to a big late-morning fry-up. ‘We might as well start now.’

‘At least we don’t have to do the dishes,’ Colin pointed out. That had been taken care of last night by the volunteers from the restaurant.