‘Making each other laugh. Protecting each other from the bad stuff that comes with ageing. That’s what matters at our age, and I don’t think Suzi and David can offer each other much of that. It was with your friend Steph he had all that. Well, used to, anyway. I used to see them laughing like kids in the market sometimes.’

‘They seemed to lose that. Part of the problem, I suspect. And what’s your proposition?’ Meredith was going to be late for her meeting, but this was too intriguing to miss.

‘You give Suzi something to do up at the château, maybe advising on interior design – she’s got quite a good eye, actually, apart from in her own home. You wouldn’t need to pay her much, she’s quite well off. Boyfriend who was in hedge funds gave her some investments before he buggered off. And in exchange, Steve and I will write off your friend’s debt. Amen and goodbye.’

‘But how will that help? Even if I could do it.’

‘You could do it.’ Jackie fixed her with the beady eye of an exceptionally determined parrot. ‘A job is what Suzi needs, not David. They’re chalk and cheese. I give it a month, less if she keeps wanting sex – but that may be too long for your friend’s marriage. Now I know you’re a rich lady and you could just pay off this debt, but you see, your friend’s too proud for that. She’ll feel patronized and that’ll be the end of your friendship. It’s different with me. I can say he got the books wrong and apologize. If Suzi’s got something else to think about, this whole thing’ll fizzle out. The risk is to your friend’s husband. It’s up to him to prove to Stephanie he’s worth having back.’ Jackie sniffed. ‘As a matter of fact, I think he is. But obviously that’s up to her. I’ll leave you to make up your mind.’

She reached over and opened the passenger door.

‘You’ve really been thinking about this, haven’t you?’

‘I have indeed. That Italian chap’s got nothing on me. What’s his name now?’

‘Machiavelli?’

‘That’s the dude. Steve says I should have been born a Borgia. I don’t think I’d have liked it, though. Women got pushed round even more than they do now. No wonder they resorted to poisoning people. I can think of a few I’d like to poison myself.’

Finally it was Meredith’s turn to grin. ‘You’re a one-off, Jackie, in any age, if you ask me.’

‘Steve says a good thing, too. I hope you don’t think I’m interfering.’