My tummy clenched a bit. I watched as Peter, clearly embarrassed by the fuss, but nonetheless delighted by the enthusiastic response he was getting, was fawned over by his grandmother. She insisted on shaking his hand with both of hers. He looked on in adoration as Janey collected her ribbon and trophy, and then as they both turned and grinned at the cheering crowd, he glanced again at Janey, eyes shining.

"Popular win?" asked the sound man, leaning in towards us. He pushed one of his headphones up.

"It's the chairman's grandson," Babs told him. "Peter Bellingdon. You might want to write that down. And his girlfriend, Janey Karachin," she added, shooting me a wicked glance.

I blazed hotly back at her. Babs threw her head back and roared with delight above the applause that was still ringing out. As the winner was announced for first prize, more applause rang for yet another local hero, rather than a second-home owner. The latter were tolerated for the money they brought to the resort, but slightly despised for the cottages they bought, which traditionally locals would buy but could no longer afford. I, meanwhile, was making my way to the side of the room, where Janey and Peter were congratulating each other. They were comparing medals, thrilled to bits.

"Well done, darling," I breathed, my face hot. I gave him a hug.

"Oh, Mum! Didn't see you. Yeah, we had a good race. Janey was brilliant."

"Good. And well done you, Janey," I managed for form's sake. "Peter, Adam's over there."

"Adam?"

"Yes, your friend, with his father. He was asking after you," I lied, although Adam, who I'd spotted at the top of the stairs, did indeed look across, and come over to congratulate Peter. He had no choice but to go and greet his friend.

“Shall we?" I asked Janey, jerking my head towards the balcony and fresher air. Away from the throng.

She rolled her eyes dramatically. “Did you just say shall we?" she murmured as she followed me. "Isn't that what the Dowager Duchess in Downton says when she's about to lay into one of the under-stairs maids? Geez, I feel about six!"

I ignored her and muscled my way through, well away from Babs and Iris and the film crew. I led her to the opposite side of the balcony, where there was space in the corner.

“If I was Babs I'd be lighting a ciggie for sure for this one," Janey told me. Her eyes were shining almost as much as Babs’, who'd spotted us. “Tommy tells me I'm hereafter to be known as Cougar Woman."

"Well, no, obviously not," I said nervously, and as reasonably as I could, but with a very real feeling I was about to make a fool of myself here. "But the thing is, Janey, he is only seventeen and—"

"A pretty hot seventeen," commented Babs, who was on her way out and heading for the stairs.