Sophie found her mother and Meredith walking round the orangery, inspecting the new paint. Now that it had been furnished and the cracked glass replaced in some of its panes, it looked truly spectacular. It would be a perfect space for pre-wedding drinks, especially in spring before the weather got really hot.

‘Are you all right?’ Jo asked at once. ‘You look like you’ve seen the ghost! You haven’t, have you?’

Sophie shook her head. ‘It’s the news Steve the builder just told me. Apparently it’s all over town. David Adams has moved in with that ghastly Suzi, the one who hangs round the cafe with her boobs out. Oh, Mum!’ Sophie was close to tears. ‘What’s the matter with men?’ It was obvious who she was thinking about. ‘Can’t any of them be trusted?’

Jo swept Sophie into her arms. ‘Of course they can, darling. There are lots of good men out there.’

‘Oh God, this is awful.’ Meredith intervened looking genuinely stricken, and suddenly older. ‘I saw them together. They were on a bench down by the river. She had her head on his shoulder. At first I thought they were some old married couple . . . and then I saw it was David. With that woman.’

‘Oh God, Meredith,’ Jo sympathized. ‘How horrible. Did he see you?’

‘Yes. But he also told me they weren’t having an affair. The thing is . . .’ Meredith delved into the depths of her memory. ‘There was something David said. What was it? Me and my bloody memory! Sometimes I think I’m getting dementia.’

‘You’ve got one of the sharpest brains I know,’ Sophie asserted, shocked.

‘I still forget things. Just don’t get old, Sophie. I know! He once said he hoped they had a bloody good summer up at Fleur-de-Lis. They needed it. I was quite surprised, because I’d got the impression the place was flourishing. I wonder if this is actually about money?’

‘Only one way to find out. Shall we ring her? Go round?’ Jo suggested. ‘Whatever we do, we’re going to have to be extremely tactful.’

‘You bet. Look, Jo,’ Meredith asked seriously, ‘please don’t be offended – but would you mind if I went on my own? If money is the problem, I might be able to help her work something out. I mean, money’s my thing. Unlike me, you’re great on sympathy and hugs and she’ll need those in spades, but just now, maybe money might be the answer. I’ll call you as soon as I’ve seen her and maybe you could pop over then?’