Leanne was more concerned with the cream damask of the sofa cushions she was meant to sit on. One of the downsides of living at the marina was that she was always getting mud everywhere and, although the weather was dry, Leanne couldn’t be sure she wasn’t going to shed flakes of mud. She perched on the edge of the sofa while Claudia poured the coffee.

Leaving Leanne to add her own cream and sugar, Claudia picked up her cup and sank back into her seat. ‘I should start by saying I owe you a debt of gratitude. I didn’t want anyone to know about the baby, but I can see how much it’s helped our cause. The response has been breathtaking, and humbling too. The memorial service has grown into something more than I could ever have imagined. I can’t believe it’s only a week on Wednesday. It’s come around so fast.’

It was possible Leanne was being unfair, but Claudia sounded as excited as Phillipa had done when counting down to her grand opening. ‘When can we expect the final programme?’ she asked, taking out her phone and resting it on her lap. She didn’t bother switching on the voice recorder, not yet.

‘We’re going to hold a press conference next Monday,’ Claudia replied. Holding up her hand, she added, ‘I realise that doesn’t give the Courier time to include any late announcements, which is why I thought it only fair to speak to you today. I can’t give you a confirmed line-up, but your readers can rest assured that the start time and venue won’t change. I can share some good news though. We’ve managed to procure a proper sound stage, which means at least the performers will stay dry if it rains.’

‘Great.’

Leanne’s flat response gave Claudia a moment’s pause. Her tone was more sombre when she said, ‘Whatever happens, the show is going to be incredibly moving. The dance school invited me over for a sneak preview at their dress rehearsal and I must confess, they had me in tears. Hilary Clarke would be so proud of them.’

‘Do you think the kids will cope on the night?’

Claudia glanced at the phone resting on Leanne’s lap, then at her rucksack on the floor. A frown creased her brow. She was wondering why Leanne wasn’t taking notes.

‘We’re doing all we can to minimise their anxiety,’ she said. ‘We had planned to bring them on immediately after the reading of the names, but on reflection, that would have been too much, so they’re going to be one of the opening acts. We’ve booked an opera singer to cover their original spot. She’s a friend of Bryony’s.’