‘I don’t really . . . I mean . . . Who planned this? We’re fighting the light here.’ Daniel was angry. ‘We need to get on with it,’ he roared. As he waded into the waves, he slammed his foot down in fury. ‘Bugger this! Why didn’t somebody book a stunt driver? Since when did bloody actors know how to do anything? Sod it, sod, sod, sod!’

The continuity girl ran forward and whispered something into Daniel’s ear.

‘All right. Apparently there is a boating chap on the way. Didn’t realise that.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘Typical, though – he’s stuck in traffic. Pity. It would be good to wrap this scene while we still have daylight. Once it’s dark we’ll be wasting our time and I’ll have to reschedule it for late tomorrow, when we’re miles away and we have tons of other stuff to plough through.’

‘I’m not joking, Daniel.’ Sally pressed on. She knew that capturing the light was essential today. ‘I really can drive a boat. I have all the certificates you need for France. I’m a qualified helmswoman, or whatever the word is.’

Phoo stepped forward and took Daniel’s arm, as he shook the water out of his shoes. She was swaying. Clearly much rosé had been consumed.

‘Says the woman who couldn’t even balance a tea tray! I won’t have my husband risking life and limb . . .’

‘There would be no risk to Eggy or anybody, Phoo. I reiterate: I have all the necessary qualifications. If I’d been warned I would have brought them here today to show you . . .’

‘No. Sorry, Sally. You wouldn’t be good enough for this stunt. It’s all a major cock-up.’ Daniel shook his head and turned to the First Assistant. ‘What now?’

The First murmured to Daniel, and Daniel shrugged. ‘OK,’ he said quietly. ‘Apparently, the stunt driver is parking his car. We might still catch the scene . . .’ He squinted at the horizon through a rolled-up hand, then stamped again. ‘But I doubt it. Bloody Frogs!’

‘Daniel. I can do it.’ Sally didn’t know how to make him understand. Why was no one listening to her? ‘I drive a much bigger boat than this all the time.’

‘A boat!’ laughed Phoo. ‘Did you know, Daniel, that in her “spare” time Sally works as a waitress in a tired little restaurant in Bellevue-sur-Mer? And now she tells us she owns her own boat!’ She cackled, and glared at Sally, lips pursed, eyes flashing. ‘As if!’

Daniel appraised Sally for a moment, then said, ‘No.’Fraid I can’t allow it. Too big a risk. Bloody Norah!’ He threw his arms up. ‘OK, folks, that’s a wrap.’

The crew started to pack up their equipment and shuffle off.