‘Well, not quite that scale,’ Sophie smiled. ‘But that kind of vibe. Relaxed. Unconventional. Though of course, they still want some of the conventional aspects, like the vows, and that moment when someone announces “Mr and Mrs Smith!” and everyone goes wild clapping, as though exchanging vows is the only possible thing that matters on this planet.’

‘Don’t be cynical, Soph,’ her mother teased. ‘You’re too young. Wait till you’re my age.’

‘So what’s your idea?’ Meredith finally gave them her full attention.

‘You know I mentioned Jean-Christophe as a possible caterer – well, now he’s got the use of an Airstream for the food festival, I think we should definitely go for him. It could be really popular.’

‘What food festival is that?’ Jo enquired.

‘Philippe has roped the mayor into backing a Bratenac Food Festival in a few weeks’ time,’ Meredith explained. ‘He just came to see me about renting that field of ours down by the river to hold it on. It’s out of sight of the château and they’ve promised to pay and tidy up after, so I agreed. Hope that’s OK?’

Sophie picked up the crackle of tension between them over another decision made without consultation, and decided distraction was the best policy. Things would come up that really mattered, and this wasn’t one of them.

‘I adore street food, and it’d fit right into this festival feel the websites keep mentioning.’

‘Brides with burgers,’ Meredith mused. ‘Not exactly chic, as images go. I wouldn’t want that one on Instagram. Ketchup smeared all over the girl’s face like Zombie Bride Rides Again.’

‘It’s not just burgers now, Meredith,’ Sophie pointed out. ‘More Lebanese lamb with sumac and Mediterranean spices. Really quite sophisticated.’

‘OK, OK,’ conceded Meredith.

‘And we know Jean-Christophe can really cook.’

‘Do you want to speak to him?’ Meredith suggested. ‘Get him to come over and see the facilities and we can discuss details. If he has time to take this on. He’s still doing Fleur-de-Lis three nights a week.’

‘Yes, but that’s midweek,’ Jo countered. ‘Weddings are still usually at weekends. And he’s young and strong. I’m sure he’d be up for it.’

‘You’re making him sound like a stud from a porno channel,’ Sophie protested.

‘Sophie!!’ chorused Meredith and Jo, choking on their carbonnade de boeuf.