buildings on the site that need demolishing. The long traditional mas on the far edge laughingly called a café… that, though, is a gem.’ Personally Belinda thought that particular mas could be the key to making the campsite a success in and out of the season.
‘It is?’
‘Fully restored, it would be a wonderful venue for weddings and other large functions. A basic café needs to be nearer the entrance.’
‘So, finally, there is something you like about the place.’
Belinda decided to ignore the amusement she could hear in Nigel’s voice.
‘You also need to know I’m probably going to stay at the auberge in the village for an indefinite period. There is nowhere on site where I would consider sleeping currently, although I haven’t yet had a chance to check out the staff cottage.’
‘Stay at the auberge for as long as you need to. Anything else?’
‘One major problem, your so-called manager, he’s got a real attitude problem. Either that or he hates the English. Or maybe he hates women. Not sure I can work with him. Can you sack him?’ Belinda could have sworn she heard Nigel smother a laugh.
‘That’s priceless. He wants me to sack you. Says he can’t work with you.’
‘What? He’s had the nerve to ring you and complain about me?’ Belinda couldn’t believe what she was hearing. ‘On what grounds?’
‘He doesn’t need an uptight bossy female undermining what he’s already doing.’
‘I haven’t been here eight hours yet! We’ve barely spoken to each other and there is absolutely no evidence of him doing any actual work, apart from maybe pruning and cutting back a few bushes.’
‘Anyway, I told him what I’m telling you. I’m not sacking either of you, I need the two of you to work together.’
Belinda was silent.
‘Come on. You’re normally so good with people. Always diplomatic and kind. Don’t let Alain get to you. He’s French, he can’t help having attitude, it’s in their DNA. But he’s a good bloke really.’
Belinda ignored his words. ‘How about if I resign? I can be on the morning ferry and come home.’
She heard Nigel sigh. ‘Don’t be silly. You’ve only just arrived. Give it a couple of weeks and see if things improve between you. If not, I promise we’ll think again,’ and Nigel ended the call.
Belinda was still seething five minutes later as she made her way downstairs to the auberge kitchen.
Fern took one look at her and handed her a glass of wine. ‘You look a bit uptight. Everything okay?’
Belinda nodded before taking a drink. ‘Thanks. Just a work problem.’
She laughed as she caught sight of BB, who had deserted her the moment she’d arrived back at the auberge, making a beeline for Lady, his new friend, and the warmth of the kitchen. He was now curled up with Lady in her basket, looking completely at home.
‘That’s a bit of a tight squeeze, BB. Mind you don’t squash Lady.’
Half an hour later, Belinda placed her knife and fork on her empty dinner plate. ‘That was delicious. I’d ask you for the recipe, but I rarely cook these days and I know I’d never be able to produce a meal like that.’
Fern shrugged away her praise. ‘I enjoy cooking.’ She stood up and cleared the plates before putting the cheeseboard on the table. ‘So, if you don’t cook, what do you eat? Ready meals?’
‘I work for a small chain of three hotels, so I can always find a proper meal if I want it. If there’s time to stop for lunch, I eat in whichever hotel I’m working at, and in the evening at home, I’ll have a bowl of soup or a sandwich of some sort. If I’m really hungry, I can always have dinner in the hotel restaurant.’
‘What d’you do in these hotels – obviously nothing kitchen-related.’ Fern smiled.
‘I’ve been known to get stuck into the washing-up when the dishwasher breaks down, but that’s about it.’ Belinda laughed. ‘Nigel, my boss, defines my role as a troubleshooter. Basically means that I oversee the smooth running of everything. If there’s a problem, I have to solve it. I do the website and the accounts for each of the hotels every week too. I interview the staff with Nigel and Molly, his wife. And because I have a flair for interior design, I also help with that when any of the hotels are given a makeover.’
Fern stared at her wide-eyed. ‘Are there enough hours in the day for you to do all that? I feel positively lazy listening