Hugo was likewise involved in keeping the children quiet as his mother primped and preened. On listening to the quiet, assured tones of his aunt, in a rare show of command, and instead of informing Belinda, he took the foghorn. He explained that there'd been a slight misunderstanding, he apologized for the confusion, and confirmed that the prize-giving would now go ahead. Handing over to the gym teacher, who was more than capable of naming each winning child, he went to have a quiet word with his mother who was gaping, astonished. Albeit furious, she had no choice but to congratulate each child and award them a ribbon and a medal, her big moment of the year, the eyes of the village upon her, somewhat diminished. Her smile definitively did not reach her eyes as she shook each child by the hand. I had no time to sympathize with my ex-mother-in-law, however, and increasingly less inclination to these days. Instead I hurried off to find my friend, experiencing only a twinge of jealousy that I hadn't been the first to know. Although — hang on. I whipped my phone from my pocket. I hadn't checked it this morning.

“If the trawler race doesn't go ahead in St. Mawes we may be reduced to covering the sailing races at Trewarren. It's the silly season. Are you about??”

Ah. See? Never doubted her for a moment. I texted back. "Yes!!" And pocketed my mobile with a smile. Then I headed back up the sandy, winding path to the cliff top, and thence to the center of the village.

The Sailing Club was almost as crowded as the Mariners next door. Indeed, at this time of year, the narrow street outside which hosted the overflow was a rather pleasing eclectic mix of each respective clientele, the young from one merging with the pillars of the community from the other. Ted had said he'd be around at some point and I had a quick glance about, but couldn't see him. Roger was unmissable, though. Holding court with his cronies up on the balcony, he was florid and booming, large glass in hand. He saw me and gave a cheery wave, indicating with a huge sweep of his arm and a point at his glass that I should come up immediately for a drink. I nodded and mouthed: "Will later!"

Tommy and Peter were racing the Wayfarer together, which Peter would enjoy enormously. They were no doubt getting the boat ready further down the estuary. I thought about going to chat to them and decided I was the last person they needed before a race. Instead I joined the crush for a drink at the Mariners, which I could then take out to the wall, where I could see Celia and Edward. They were sitting with their backs to me, kicking their heels and watching the dinghy racing. I could perch with them and wait for Shona to arrive.