Jago walked into the kitchen. ‘Has the party started without me?’

‘Not really,’ said Gilly, ‘but thank you so much for getting rid of Leo for us.’

‘It was a pleasure,’ said Jago.

‘Are you wearing that for the party?’ asked Helena.

Jago was wearing jeans with ripped knees and a band T-shirt that he probably used for sleeping in. He looked down at himself. ‘Oh, I see what you mean. Should I go home and put on my suit?’

‘I think you look absolutely fine,’ said Gilly firmly. ‘Don’t go anywhere.’

‘Totes agree,’ said William seriously. ‘Isn’t that what the young people say?’

Helena closed her eyes, shook her head and took another sip of champagne, but she was smiling.

‘Oh, are we late?’ said a voice.

It was Amy and she had James with her. ‘I thought I was early,’ Amy went on. ‘I came in case you needed any help.’ She pulled James forward. ‘You said I could bring a plus one,’ she said shyly. ‘This is James.’

‘How lovely,’ said Gilly.

‘It’s so cool you’re still friends!’ said Helena. She gave them both a hug.

‘Don’t get overexcited,’ said Amy, after there’d been quite a lot of hugging and arm punching. ‘It’s very early days.’

Gilly and Helena exchanged glances. They’d heard those words before.

‘I think you both need a glass of champagne,’ said Gilly. ‘Not that we’re celebrating …’

Chapter Thirty-eight

The party was due to start and Gilly and William were waiting in the marquee, welcoming smiles at the ready.

‘Are you all right, Mum?’ asked Helena.

‘Yes, I just want to get started. I’ve got stage fright,’ she said.

‘Aunt Daphne and the others will be here any minute,’ said William. ‘I had a text to say they were nearly here. I almost regret teaching her texting – she can’t seem to stop. It’s like a sort of Tourette’s.’

‘It all looks great!’ said Jago, looking round the marquee. ‘I’d like this for our wedding, Hels – if you’d like it?’

‘Just what I want,’ said Helena. ‘It’s so good we agree.’

‘Ah! Here they are!’ said William.

‘Oh my God,’ said Jago. ‘I think I’m scared.’

All William’s aunts, and apparently several other people, had decided to wear hats. They looked magnificent but, Gilly thought, a bit overdressed for what was basically a buffet in a tent. There were chairs and tables for everyone to sit at but it was supposed to be a very informal occasion. This phalanx of women looked ready for Ladies’ Day at Ascot, or the wedding of a minor royal.

‘People love the chance to dress up,’ said Gilly, moving forward. ‘Daphne, how lovely to see you! And I adore your hat.’

‘Not hat, hatinator,’ Daphne corrected her, kissing her cheek. ‘Not to be confused with a fascinator.’

‘You’ve obviously looked into it,’ said Gilly.