‘It will free you up a bit more,’ Edith said, patting his arm. ‘We’ll keep everything ordered and topped up and give you the receipts for what we’ve put in at the end of each week. I’m guessing the budget is the same as last year? Nick said David had already told him what that was.’

‘That would be a weight off my mind,’ Ned said gratefully. ‘Thank you and yes, we’ll stick to the same budget.’

With the few issues satisfactorily addressed, Ned made everyone tea and I carried the tray round the huts, taking the opportunity to chat as I went.

‘So, how are you really settling in?’ asked Sue when it was just the two of us. ‘It’s not too difficult being back here, is it?’

I knew she was asking because she had always felt guilty that I hadn’t settled in. Had she not told Dad the plantation was up for sale, we probably wouldn’t have left my former and much-loved childhood home. Had that been the case though, I now had the sense to see, Wynmouth might not have had the benefit of the nature reserve or the plantation.

‘No,’ I therefore generously said, ‘it’s not too difficult. I thought it would be, especially as everything in the lodge is still as Dad kept it, but actually it’s okay.’

Sue looked relieved.

‘And how are you getting on with Ned?’ she asked.

‘Really well,’ I told her. ‘But then, who wouldn’t? He’s as mad on Christmas as Dad was.’

‘He’s mad on trees too,’ Sue chuckled.

‘That’s true.’

I thought of the tattoo running down the length of his spine and hoped my pupils hadn’t dilated in response.

‘He loved working on his aunt’s forest farm in New Zealand.’ Sue carried on, unaware of my dreamy expression.

‘I bet it was an amazing place.’

‘It certainly looked it from the photos he showed me.’

‘So, why did he come back?’

‘To be with David of course,’ she said, as if I should know. ‘He’s fiercely loyal to his family and the increased workload here was getting a bit much for one man.’

I felt my face flush. Family loyalty was something I had never felt.

‘Which makes him the perfect person to take over, doesn’t it?’ I unguardedly said.

‘Where are you off to then?’ Sue frowned.

‘Oh,’ I swallowed, realising I’d almost spilled the beans. ‘After Christmas, I’m going travelling for a while,’

Sue pressed a hand to her ample chest.

‘That’s all right then,’ she laughed, looking relieved. ‘You had me worried for a minute. I thought you were going to say you were leaving again for good.’

‘You’d better take this tea,’ I told her, nodding at the tray. ‘Otherwise, it’ll be cold.’

‘Thanks, love,’ she said, picking up one of the mugs.