This did give Alexandra pause. She had very few clothes with her. ‘I don’t have a lot of choice. Most of my things are probably already in Switzerland. They were sent ahead so I wouldn’t have heavy luggage to deal with on the train. I have some pyjamas, a change of underwear, this dress, a pair of slacks and a cardigan. That’s it, more or less.’

‘And your Hermès scarf.’

‘Yes, but while it may be useful, it’s not a whole outfit.’ Alexandra looked down at her dress, which was fitted, sleeveless and knee-length. It was a ‘meet your relations dress’ and it would have to do for an interview. ‘I think this is fine. It may smell slightly of cooking but perhaps, being a Frenchman, he won’t mind that. He’s not judging me for my clothes after all; he wants to know if I’m suitable for the job.’ She paused. ‘Are you sure he didn’t mention what sort of job it was?’

‘No, but don’t worry. He didn’t mention any secretarial skills or accountancy, and surely he would have done if he’d wanted those?’

‘I’d be much keener on going to Switzerland if I thought they were going to teach me things like that. Although I’m sure they’re awfully boring, secretarial skills and grown-up arithmetic would be useful.’

Donna patted Alexandra’s knee. ‘I’m sure you’ll be fine. And it’ll be so cool having you in Paris. I’ll have a friend!’

‘Oh I know! I would love that.’

‘Are you absolutely sure about that dress? We could look in my closet – I could lend you something? You are a bit taller so my clothes would be short on you, but that may not be a bad thing.’

Alexandra smiled. ‘I think this dress will be fine. I wore an apron when I cooked in it yesterday. Though if you have some lovely scent I could spray on myself, I’d be delighted. To disguise the faint eau d’oignon.’

‘Perfume!’ Donna cried out. ‘I have so much I could take a bath in it. Now, I thought we’d have an early lunch, no wine, and then after your interview we can celebrate.’

‘I may not get the job,’ said Alexandra. ‘I’ve never actually been to an interview before. Have you got any tips?’

Donna shook her head. ‘I’ve never had a job.’

‘I’ve done lots of catering jobs, and I used to deal in antiques. But I’ve never had a nine-to-five sort of job.’

‘Antiques? How exciting!’

‘A friend of mine used to have a stall on the Portobello Road market. He let me put my things with his. He taught me all I know.’