‘But I thought that was because we were quiet, and tourism is down in general in the area and—’

‘And when was the last time this place had steady business? When was the last time it was profitable?’

Penny was flustered. ‘Well, I’m sorry not to have all the answers for you at the drop of a hat, Elle, but I didn’t pry into Mum and Dad’s business because it isn’t my business.’

Elle exhaled. ‘Funny you should put it that way. Actually, this document,’ she placed an envelope on the table, ‘says that it’s all of our business now. Mum left her share of the place to us, Penny. This is her will. Obviously Dad automatically keeps half but . . .’ She pushed the envelope across the table. Penny seemed afraid to touch it.

Elle swallowed hard, hating how pale and withdrawn her dad looked. She opened her mouth to speak, but Penny interrupted her. She had the document open on the table in front of her.

‘Twenty-five per cent a piece to us.’

Elle already knew what the document said. ‘She made me executor a long time ago.’

Penny made no effort to disguise her dismay. ‘But why? You’re never here.’

Elle shrugged. ‘Because that’s what you do when you have a professional businesswoman in the family.’

Penny nodded, but she still seemed hurt by it. ‘So what does it mean? For the hotel?’

Running her hands through her hair, Elle decided to call a spade a spade. ‘It means we have inherited not only the hotel, but quite a bit of debt too. I think . . .’ she ventured, trying to sound reasonable, ‘all things considered, that it might be time to think about selling. It’s falling down around our ears and based on what you’ve already said, Penny, Mum was about the only thing keeping the place together. Now that she’s gone, it’s . . . it’ll be impossible.’

‘What? But we can’t just give up on the hotel,’ retorted Penny. ‘This is our family home, the house we grew up in. It meant so much to Mum, to all of us. Can’t we just do a few quick repairs, as much as we can afford for now, and keep things going as they are for the moment?’

‘But think about the cost of maintaining an old property like this. Are you truly aware of the man-power you would need to keep things running smoothly day to day? I know that Mum was a powerhouse, but some aspects of the hotel leave a lot to be desired, Penny. Modern guests expect a lot.’

Ned sat, listening to the exchange but saying nothing. Elle had guessed that these decisions would be left up to them in the end. When had their father shown any real interest in anything except his Beatles music?