‘I thought we’d charge a flat entrance fee, then give them a glass and plate, and they can sample all the food and wine included in that.’

‘Sounds good.’

‘Then we distribute the profits among the stallholders.’

‘Right,’ the organizer sounded surprised. ‘So it’s not designed as a moneymaking venture?’

‘More of a community idea.’

‘We’d better get going. It’ll take a while to put your stalls up and all the rest of it. Here comes your mayor by the look of it.’

‘Salut, Philippe, et félicitations! You are doing such an excellent job, and my office is happy to give you any backup you need.’

‘That’s music to my ears, monsieur le maire,’ Philippe replied, grateful. ‘There is much more organization involved than I had realized.’

‘Important question,’ the mayor interrupted. ‘Who would you like to declare the festival open? In the past at events like this, it has usually been the duchess.’

Philippe smiled to himself. ‘May I suggest a change?’ he enquired boldly. ‘Invite the new châtelaine, Mademoiselle Meredith Harding.’

‘I wonder how Nicky’s getting on with the guest list,’ Sophie speculated. ‘I hope to God she’s put a closing date on the invitation and didn’t leave the whole thing open, or we’ll have no idea how many we’re catering for!’

Jo stopped to admire her daughter’s chart and the lists she had already prepared. Sophie really was a powerhouse when it came to organization. With skills like hers, perhaps she should be doing something more demanding than organizing exhibitions and weddings. She could do anything, Jo thought proudly, and then remembered that as a parent her opinion on such matters would not be welcome unless specifically requested. ‘When is Ronnie actually arriving?’ she asked the others. ‘I hope she’s lining up florists herself and not expecting us to do it.’

‘No idea, dearest Mama,’ grinned Sophie. ‘I’ll leave the delicate chore of dealing with Ronnie to you.’

‘Thanks a lot,’ protested Jo. ‘It wasn’t me who said she could come.’

‘It wouldn’t have made any difference who made the decision,’ Meredith pointed out. ‘She would have come anyway. More to the point, does Steph know she’s coming?’

‘Oh, my God! I hadn’t thought of that,’ Jo exclaimed. ‘She’ll be furious if she doesn’t.’ She fell silent for a moment. ‘A hideous thought has just struck me. Ronnie does know about Steph and David, doesn’t she?’

They looked at each other and shrugged. Given the complicated relationship between Steph and her sister, this was in no way a foregone conclusion.

‘Good heavens!’ Meredith had turned back to her laptop. ‘I’ve had an extraordinary invitation!’

‘Who from?’ Jo and Sophie gave her their full attention.

‘The mayor of Bratenac!’

‘And what does the mayor of Bratenac want you to do?’

‘Only to officially open the food festival!’