Leo insisted on standing next to her while Gilly stood in for Helena and she wished she could ask him to go away. Eventually she saw William trying to push his way towards Helena’s stall. He was quite a way away. If she was quick she should be able to get rid of Leo. ‘Leo! Would you be very kind and get us some tea? Then we can have a piece of shortbread? I didn’t have much lunch.’

‘If that’s what you want,’ he said fondly, and kissed the top of her head.

She moved away from him, feeling horribly patronised. Then she looked up and felt even worse. William had stopped and was looking at her, confusion on his face. He had obviously seen Leo’s possessive gesture and didn’t know what to think.

She tried to smile reassuringly but it was difficult to say, ‘I didn’t invite this man, I didn’t want him to kiss my head, it’s you I’m interested in,’ in a gesture like a smile, however hard you tried.

William raised a hand in greeting and then turned back. Gilly felt bereft.

Cressida and Martin came up. ‘Are you OK staying for a bit, Gilly?’ said Cressida. ‘There is some amazing stuff here! There’s a handbag over there that has my name on it. I might persuade Martin I need an early birthday present.’

After they had gone and Helena had come back, Gilly told her where Martin and Cressida were headed.

Helena raised her eyebrows. ‘There’s nothing on that stall that is cheaper than a month’s mortgage payments. I’m glad they’re feeling so flush. The man who makes the leather belts is so nice and I’d love to buy something from him, but I just can’t. Oh, I did buy something that you might like to give Issi for a present though. It’s way above my budget, but knowing how generous you are …’

Gilly looked at the little box that Helena put into her hand. ‘It’s amazing! I love it! And it’s perfect for Issi. I must go and have a look at the other stalls. Would you be all right here for a moment?’

‘Absolutely! Take the shortbread; it may get you a discount.’

‘Oh, here’s Leo with the tea,’ said Gilly, suddenly very depressed.

‘Ooh,’ said Helena. ‘I must just pop over to George with the shortbread. I forgot he brought me a cup of coffee earlier, I promised him something if you brought food.’

Gilly recognised a quick excuse to get out of the way when she saw one but was grateful. Leo and Helena together would have made her extremely uncomfortable.

‘Sorry it took so long,’ said Leo when he arrived. ‘There was an enormous queue and then I met some people I know and couldn’t get away.’