Though Ned looked decidedly uncomfortable with so many regular displays of emotion these days so she decided to lighten the mood. ‘Anyway I know you’ve always wanted Elle and me to learn about the Beatles, appreciate their songs – and maybe I do kind of like their music now,’ she grinned. ‘It was a soundtrack for you and Mum, wasn’t it? And, I know for sure that it’s your soundtrack.’

Ned considered her words and nodded. ‘And yours too, Penny,’ he said, approval of what she’d said thick in his voice. ‘They’re your songs as well.’

On her way home, Elle was in such a state of excitement that she could barely think straight. She couldn’t wait to break the news to the others. More than anything, she couldn’t wait to begin planning, to make all her ideas for the hotel come alive.

The experiment with the party had shown her how fulfilling it was to see each part of her vision come together, to be brought forth from a plain black and white sketch into something that could be touched.

She was aware, though, that Doug Grant was right about one thing. The hotel needed to re-open as soon as possible, something that was complicated by the other night’s storm. Perhaps Rob . . .? But no, they couldn’t possibly ask him to do anything more for them. He was exhausted. And, she reflected with a slight ache, he would want to spend more time with Celeste.

They would just have to get in another builder. And it would have to be all hands on deck for the next few weeks. She wanted the hotel open again within the month. She was gaining a reputation as a slave driver in her family, she knew. Elle smiled. Tough. Somebody had to make these things happen.

They would work from the original list of upgrades that she and Penny had prepared. At least now she would have no trouble convincing her sister that the entrance needed to be renovated.

She smiled to herself. She should be thankful for small blessings, at least.

Penny’s heart sank as she heard the car pull up the driveway.

‘Be brave,’ Ned said to her. ‘She will need you now.’

‘Crack open the champagne!’ Elle yelled as she ran into the dining room. ‘The hotel is saved – we got the loan!’

Her father and Penny sat waiting for her, their faces so serious it was as though they were wearing masks.

‘What’s wrong?’ she asked. A bolt of fear struck her. Had Doug Grant rung the hotel in the meantime to say that they couldn’t have the loan after all? He wouldn’t be so cruel. No one could . . .