‘Kilburn, North London, not quite so beautiful, but it has its charms. People are often very disappointed when they meet me, given the name. I think they expect some charming Latino. I’m third-generation Brit – my grandad’s Spanish. You ever been to Spain?’

‘No,’ she answered sharply, and it was his turn to laugh. A couple walked through, making their way to breakfast. The woman’s hair was wet and they were holding hands.

Merrin stood up straight. ‘Good morning!’

‘Morning.’ They waved, barely noticing her, intently interested in each other. This she noted with a quiver of envy, despite her resolution not to allow love to cloud her judgement or damage her more than it already had.

‘Is Lionel expecting you? Would you like me to let him know you are here?’

‘Yes, please.’ He rubbed his hands together. ‘I’m a bit nervous!’

She lifted the phone to call her boss and smiled at Miguel. ‘Don’t be, he’s lovely, and it’s a great place to work.’

‘What do you like to do? When you’re not working?’ he asked, his eyes not leaving hers.

In no particular order, I like fast cars, ice cream and tennis . . .

‘Not much. I like to watch a bit of TV and walk on the grass.’ She pressed the number and Lionel answered. ‘Lionel, I have Miguel Rochas in reception for you.’

‘Ah, splendid! He’s early. I’ll be down in a mo.’

‘He’s on his way.’ She put down the phone.

‘Thanks. Your hobbies are interesting,’ he said in mock seriousness. ‘What’s the best grass you’ve walked on and where?’

‘I didn’t say they were hobbies!’ she corrected. ‘And actually, I do have some favourite grass. It’s on a cliff edge, overlooking some pretty treacherous rocks.’ She felt the swell of emotion in her throat as she remembered her last climb up to Reunion Point.

‘I’m guessing it’s in Cornwall?’

‘You guess right.’ She liked his manner.

‘And great that you’re only two or three hours away. Do you get back there much?’

‘Erm . . .’ As she tried to figure how best to answer she felt the pull of the tide and the lure of the salty breeze as it came off the sea and lifted her hair and her spirits, the feel of the cobbles beneath her bare feet . . . followed immediately by the image of Lizzie Lick. ‘Not as often as I’d like.’

‘The joy of working in the hospitality industry – long hours, little sleep and your time is rarely your own.’

‘Yep.’

‘Ah, Miguel! Welcome to Milbury Court!’ Lionel shook his hand firmly and guided him away from the reception.

Merrin noted the way Miguel looked back over his shoulder at her before disappearing around the corner.

CHAPTER TEN MERRIN

CHAPTER TEN

MERRIN