The doors of the wood burner were open when I went back down and warm tendrils of heat were already making their way into the room.

‘No thank you,’ I said. ‘Just a splash of milk would be great.’

Sophie handed me a mug and explained how to stoke the fire as I’d never been in charge of one before and then she closed the doors so the radiators would heat up faster. It all sounded simple enough and looking at the contents of the fridge and cupboards I knew I probably wouldn’t have to buy another morsel to eat during my entire visit. Joan would have been delighted.

‘What’s that lovely smell?’ I asked as my stomach caught a heavenly scent and hastily reminded me that I hadn’t eaten since breakfast.

‘Your dinner,’ Sophie smiled, ‘assuming you aren’t allergic to seafood?’

‘I’m not,’ I quickly reassured her. ‘I’m not allergic to anything.’

As I took in the delicious aroma, I was rather relieved about that.

‘It was on the pub menu today,’ she explained. ‘I supply some of the heartier dishes you see, and I saved a serving for you from earlier. You’ll just have to heat it up when you want it later. I’ve put it on the side for now.’

‘Thank you,’ I said, inhaling again. ‘Is it a curry?’

‘Sort of,’ she nodded. ‘It’s a bit of a foodie fusion really. My aunt’s Caribbean curried crab with coconut recipe, but made with fresh Norfolk crab.’

‘Wow,’ I laughed. ‘What a fantastic combination. I have to admit it’s not what I would have expected to find on a pub menu in Wynmouth, but I can’t wait to try it.’

Sophie looked delighted by my enthusiasm and my stomach gave another embarrassingly loud rumble. It almost matched Thor’s efforts.

‘You don’t have to wait for dinner time of course,’ she nudged. ‘You can eat whenever you like on holiday.’

‘I didn’t have any lunch,’ I told her. ‘The journey took longer than I expected and I didn’t want to stop.’

Sophie eyed me astutely.

‘You sound like my daughter,’ she nodded. ‘She’s about the same age as you and she never used to make mealtimes much of a priority either. That’s all changed now,’ she added, flashing me another smile before checking her watch. ‘But look at the time!’ she exclaimed. ‘I have to go. If there’s anything you need just pop next door and ask. Although,’ she added as she reached the front door, ‘I’d wait until this storm has passed, if I were you.’