‘As a matter of fact,’ Meredith replied grandly, putting an arm around both Jo and Sophie, ‘I’m considering a choccy biccy too, if anyone wants to join me?’

The perfect weather returned. The rooms were ready, and everyone needed for the event was double-checked and on standby, when the exciting day finally dawned and the wedding party was due to arrive.

There was still no sign of Ronnie, but the flowers made their appearance in the morning at about eleven.

‘My God,’ Jo whispered to Sophie, ‘have you seen them? There’s about twenty boxes of the things! Where do you think we should store them?’

‘All taken care of.’ Sophie ticked her list. ‘I’ve asked the florist to put them in the large jars in the pantry I picked up cheap, in case it’s too hot in the outhouse. She turned up her nose at such menial work, but I want to make sure she cuts the stems . . . or whatever florists do.’

‘My mum swore by putting a drop of bleach in the water,’ suggested Jo.

‘Nonsense,’ Meredith interrupted. ‘Mine always used vodka.’

‘Old wives’ tales!’ Sophie shook her head. ‘What’s wrong with Waitrose flower food?’

Sophie disappeared in the direction of the pantry. The display of flowers was truly mind-blowing. But not as mind-blowing as the amount they must have cost. For a ghastly moment she thought the woman was going to ask her to settle the bill, but it seemed Nicky’s dad had already coughed up.

She didn’t have long to dwell on this point, because she could hear a taxi pulling up outside the front entrance. The bride had arrived for their very first wedding.

Twenty-Seven

‘Welcome to St Savarin!’

Sophie ran forward to help Nicky carry her dress, feeling almost as excited as if it were her own wedding. ‘We’re so thrilled to see you!’

Nicky stood for a moment at the top of the grand stone staircase that led into the château, taking in the romance of the place, with its four pepperpot towers and russet tile roof, surrounded by its own vineyards with a beautiful paved terrace overlooking the river.

The two young women hugged each other while Jo and Meredith watched them, smiling.

‘Come in, come in,’ Meredith greeted her. ‘Here, let me take your bag; Jo, why don’t you take the dress? I’ve laid out champagne in the bridal suite to welcome you.’

‘Do you mind if I hold on to the dress?’ Nicky asked, laughing at herself as she said it. ‘It’s just so precious. My dream dress! I could never admit how much it cost.’