‘It doesn’t matter.’ Rosalind moved to the window and drew back the curtains. The garden was iced with snow and the bare branches of the trees were spangled with hoar frost. She could see traces of a formal design, but even beneath a thin blanket of snow it was obvious that the grounds were overgrown and that nature was trying to reclaim the land. They were nearer the edge of the cliffs than Rosalind had imagined and the sea was a restless grey, flecked with white horses.

‘It’s freezing in here,’ Hester said crossly. ‘I’m going to find Delfosse and tell him to light the fires, the lazy good-for-nothing. We’re paying enough rent, goodness knows.’

‘I think we need to get some form of agreement with Madame about the use of the kitchen, too. We can’t afford to eat out all the time, and similarly we can’t rely on Madame Fournier to send us food. Perhaps Agathe could take us to the market to buy provisions.’

‘All in good time.’ Hester shrugged off her nightgown, reaching for her chemise. ‘I wish I’d brought more clothes with me. I thought we would be here for a few days at the most, but having seen Alexander, and from what you said about Piers, I think we’re going to be staying for quite a while.’

Madame Planche stood in front of the ancient range, arms akimbo, glaring at Agathe, who was acting as interpreter. Madame spoke volubly, leaving Agathe to translate.

‘Madame says that this is her kitchen and she does not want any interference from outsiders.’

‘Please tell her that we require the use of the range at agreed times during the day in order to prepare our food,’ Rosalind said firmly. ‘She cannot argue against that, and if she does we will have to ask Father Laurent to intervene.’

Agathe turned to Madame, who responded verbally, accompanied by waving hands.

‘Madame agrees,’ Agathe said eventually. ‘But you have to provide your own food and pay extra for the coal in order to keep the range going.’

Hester shrugged. ‘She drives a hard bargain.’

‘We’re not in a position to argue, Hester, much as I would like to.’

‘What do we do about breakfast?’ Hester asked plaintively. ‘I’m starving and I would love a cup of tea.’

Rosalind turned to Agathe. ‘We need to purchase provisions. Could you help us?’

‘Of course, Madame. Shall I make coffee first? I’ve brought some rolls with me and a few of Madame Fournier’s pastries. She is most concerned for your wellbeing.’

‘I thank her from the bottom of my heart,’ Rosalind said earnestly. ‘I don’t know what we would have done without you and the kindness of Father Laurent and his housekeeper.’