‘No,’ I said, feeling a bubble of nerves mingle with the big breakfast in my belly, ‘I’ll be out in a bit, but before you go, I just want to ask you something.’

‘Oh yes,’ he said, ‘I forgot you said there was something. What is it? If you’re going to ask if I’ve made a decision about taking on the business yet…’

‘No,’ I said. ‘Of course, it’s not that. I promised I’d give you time and I’m sticking to that.’

Ned looked relieved. ‘What is it then?’ he asked, looking over to the window again.

‘When I was in Wynmouth yesterday someone mentioned they’d heard I was back and they were under the impression that I’m staying for good and going to run this place with you.’

‘The good old village grapevine,’ Ned tutted. ‘Well, it hasn’t come from me.’

‘I wasn’t suggesting it had,’ I quickly said. ‘But I don’t want people getting the wrong idea about why I’m here. It probably doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things, but to me it feels deceitful, letting locals assume I’m back to help run the plantation.’

‘Because you might be going again, you mean?’

‘Because I will be going again,’ I firmly corrected.

‘So, you want to tell them you’re selling up?’

‘If that’s all right, with you.’

Ned puffed out his cheeks and then let out a long breath. ‘I’m sorry, Liza,’ he said, ‘but it’s not. I’d rather we didn’t tell anyone. Not yet anyway.’

‘Oh.’ I hadn’t expected him to say no.

‘The thing is,’ he explained, ‘if people get wind of it, I’ll be inundated with advice and, no matter how well meant, I don’t need it. I have to make this decision for myself, with no interference from anyone.’

Given the gargantuan nature of the situation, I could see the reasoning behind his remark.

‘And then of course there’s the flip side,’ he added.

‘The flip side?’ I frowned.

‘Yes,’ he smiled. ‘If folk know you’re planning to sell, they’re bound to go out of their way to convince you to stay.’

‘Shit,’ I said, biting my lip. ‘I hadn’t thought of that. Like you and your dad, you mean.’

‘Not me,’ he shrugged. ‘You clearly know your own mind and I’m intrigued to hear more about this business idea you’ve got, but I can’t account for what Dad and everyone else will say and do.’

It was a relief to know that he knew I meant business. No pun intended.

‘All right,’ I relented, because his argument made sense. ‘We won’t say anything.’

The car horn sounded again and Ned began to pull on his coat.