So caught up in the madness of Christmas at school, Caitlin had forgotten all about her promise to find out the details of the job she had previously mentioned and the post had now been filled. Rather than disappointment I was pleased that I wouldn’t feel obliged to apply, although I would now have to give further thought to what I was going to do if Ned couldn’t raise the money to buy me out. I had thought the post, should I secure it, might prove useful while looking for an alternative solution, but that wasn’t going to be an option now.

I messaged Caitlin as I walked to the shop. I told her not to worry and pointed out that had I been that interested in the role, I would have reminded her or searched for it myself. She sent a reply almost instantly.

Phew! That’s all right then. I thought you were going to be fed up. Let me know when you’re back – assuming you’re still at the seaside – and we’ll go for a drink. After this term, I’m going to need it!

The shop bell jangled as I put away my phone and opened the door. My arrival was met with a warm smile which seemed to be readily available everywhere in Wynmouth. I couldn’t help thinking it was far more appealing than the anonymity and blank expressions associated with where I previously lived. After selecting some chocolates and flowers for Wren and a few other essentials, I carried on to the cottage.

‘Hey,’ said Theo, a smile also lighting up his face, when he answered the door. ‘Come in, come in.’

He explained they hadn’t been back long, but Wren was already tucked up in an armchair next to the fire and, even though she still looked a little pale, she was smiling too.

‘Hey you,’ I said, bending to kiss her cheek, which was warmed by the fire blazing in the hearth, ‘I’m so pleased to see you.’

‘I’m pleased to see you too,’ she said. ‘Thank you so much for coming. I hope they can manage without you at Wynter’s this morning,’ she added, with a frown. ‘I know it’s going to be busy today.’

‘When I tell you about my mix-up,’ I told her with a grimace, ‘you’ll realise why Ned was actually pleased to see the back of me.’

It felt good to have an amusing anecdote to share and which would hopefully take her mind off things. Although I still would have been happier not to have made the gaffe in the first place.

‘Oh, I don’t believe he was for a second,’ Theo mischievously grinned, taking the bunch of flowers and bag containing the chocolates, milk and biscuits which I had picked up in the shop. ‘From what I’ve heard…’