Jean-Christophe nodded and dialled the number. ‘Mademoiselle Meredith? I am very sorry to trouble you. It’s Jean-Christophe. I’m a little worried about your friends at Fleur-de-Lis. I did not see them when I left last night, even though it was later than usual, and Marcelline has just telephoned me to say they are still not back. Do you think there could have been some accident?’

Meredith hated clichés like being rooted to the spot, yet she stood, phone in hand, entirely still for almost a minute as she fought against panic and decided what to do. Where had Steph gone to? Should she go and get David from Suzi’s? Yet it might make things worse if Steph had just checked in to a hotel herself and was about to walk back in at any moment. But that didn’t feel convincing.

She’d better get up there herself and see if there had been any developments.

Philippe had the same thought on behalf of his son. ‘Come on. I’ll get the car. You and Marcelline can staff the place for the moment. At least that will seem less strange to the guests. And we can look around the property at the same time. Marie can get on with prepping lunch here.’

By the time they reached Fleur-de-Lis, Meredith, looking less than her usual cool and calm self, was already standing outside on the steps with Marcelline.

‘Have you looked all round the house?’ they heard her ask the girl anxiously.

‘Of course, madame.’ Marcelline, suddenly flushed with embarrassment, added: ‘I knew about Monsieur Adams and could see that Madame Stephanie was very upset . . .’ A hideous thought suddenly struck Meredith about where Steph was headed when she’d last seen her.

‘OK, Jean-Christophe – why don’t you go behind the reception desk in case any of the guests are wondering what’s going on?’ Meredith suggested. ‘And could you possibly cook again tonight? Until we find out where Steph is?’

‘Of course.’

‘I am at your service also, if there is anything I can do,’ Philippe offered. He had almost been tempted to quietly withdraw, feeling he might be in the way, but there was something disconcerting about Meredith’s manner. He sensed that she was genuinely afraid for her friend.

Meredith had almost forgotten Philippe was there. ‘I’ve just got to go and look somewhere . . .’ she began.

‘I will come with you,’ stated Philippe. ‘And do not worry, after that I will disappear.’

For once Meredith didn’t protest but smiled gratefully as she set off down the path towards the swimming pool.