‘But your reaction to the lodge, and the tree, I thought…’

‘None of that meant anything,’ I firmly said.

The office fell quiet again.

‘I suppose I could have a go at trying to raise the money,’ Ned finally said, ‘but it will need some serious thinking about first and even then, it will take a while. I’m not even sure if it’s what I want.’

So much for my assumption that he would snatch my hand off. I was feeling every bit as poleaxed as the two men.

‘I do appreciate that I’ve rather sprung this on you,’ I acknowledged.

‘Good,’ said Ned.

‘Might I suggest something?’ David tentatively asked.

‘That depends on what it is,’ I told him, feeling ruffled that he had genuinely thought that one day I would move back, and worse, that he had let Ned believe it too.

‘Well,’ he said, ‘as Ned’s just mentioned, he’s going to need time to think about all this and you’ve literally just arrived back, Liza.’

‘So?’ I frowned. ‘What difference does that make?’

‘So,’ he said, ‘you still haven’t really given the place a chance.’

‘To do what?’

‘Grow on you, of course.’

Ned let out a bark of laughter.

‘I know my own mind, David,’ I firmly said, feeling exasperated, ‘and I’m not going to change it. And I really need the money.’

‘I appreciate that,’ he said. ‘And surely you can appreciate that Ned needs time.’

‘What exactly are you asking me to do?’ I sighed.

‘Stay up until Christmas,’ he suggested. ‘It’s not all that far away and as well as giving Ned time to think it will also help you determine whether or not you’re doing the right thing. The longer you stay here…’

‘I’m not going to change my mind,’ I interrupted, the words this time coming through gritted teeth.

‘You need to drop it, Dad,’ said Ned, turning to his father. ‘Liza’s mind is made up.’

At least we agreed on something. Ned then looked at me.

‘That said,’ he carried on. ‘I do need this time, Liza. It’s going to get really busy here soon and this isn’t a decision I can afford to rush into. I’m not going to decide overnight.’

‘Of course,’ I agreed, because it would have been ridiculous not to. ‘I’ll stay,’ I said, staring hard at David, ‘but only because I can get on with sorting out the lodge and things. One hint that you’re trying to make me change my mind, David, and I’ll be off.’

He held up his hands in surrender.

‘I wouldn’t dream of it,’ he smiled, but I wasn’t sure I believed him.