Her sister smiled and said flippantly, ‘Who knows? I bet I’ll meet him in college – and we will form a big company together, and make crazy money. And then we can live wherever it suits us. London. New York. Paris. Tokyo even. What with me being a high-powered career woman with a big business we might just live in multiple places. We’ll . . . ah, split our time.’ Elle hoped that she was using that phrase correctly – she had caught one of the characters from Dallas saying it on television the other night and thought it sounded very cool.

‘But you’ll come back here to visit won’t you?’ asked Penny. ‘What about Mum and Dad? And me? We’ll really miss you,’ she added tentatively. ‘The hotel will miss you.’

‘Ha.’ Elle laughed. Whatever about her family, she definitely wasn’t going to miss the hotel and that endless parade of annoying visitors, ongoing chores and constant entreaties from their Mum to ‘behave’. ‘Well, of course I’ll come to visit now and then.’ She wasn’t going to admit it, but she was pretty sure that regardless of where she was living or how rich, successful and worldly she might be, she would of course miss her family too. ‘Or whenever you need me.’

‘Promise?’ questioned Penny, holding out her small finger.

‘Promise,’ Elle agreed, entwining it with her own, and the Harte sisters completed their usual ritual, forever sealing the vow.

Chapter 1

The Bay Hotel always seemed to mirror the mood of those who stayed there, temporarily or permanently, Penny mused.

For decades, its walls had been witness to some of the town’s most memorable parties and occasions. In its prime, women in glistening dresses had made their way up its grand limestone front steps, show bands had shaken the ballroom walls with lively music, couples whirling in a kaleidoscope of colour on the dance floor below the stage.

Of course it had hosted quieter moments, too. The tea rooms overlooking the often turbulent Irish sea provided a dramatic outlook which contrasted with the interior’s delicate Victorian décor. The cream lace tablecloths, dainty silver cake forks, eggshell tea cups and delicious morsels served there, all seemed to encourage words of affection and compassion, and that room had seen multiple proposals and romantic celebrations. Hands young and old joined over its tables, first and last birthdays were held there, and all were remembered.

Yes, any occasion in Mulberry Bay was deemed almost more special, more magical, for having been held at the Bay Hotel. It was as if there was a feeling about the hotel, an alchemy that had nothing to do with the supernatural; so much joy and so many memories had seeped into its walls over the years, adding to its allure.