‘We won’t put our badges on until we’re in the departure lounge,’ said Molly after Thea had insisted that Derek be allowed just to drop them off at the entrance, and not park his car and assist two able-bodied women through the check-in process. ‘We don’t want people identifying us too soon. You did get an identifying badge, didn’t you? They promised they’d send one?’

‘Oh, yes,’ agreed Thea, ‘it’s just that I’ve lost it. But it doesn’t matter. If you’ve got yours, I can stand by you.’

Molly regarded Thea crossly. ‘Honestly, Thea …’ Just before Thea could respond Molly remembered that Thea had only had two days to get ready for this trip. ‘Of course, it was terribly short notice and I’m really pleased you could come …’

Thea smiled. ‘And I’m really pleased you asked me. I haven’t been abroad for ages.’

‘Oh, my goodness! You did check your passport hasn’t expired, didn’t you?’

‘I must say,’ said Thea, weak with relief that nothing was found wrong with her passport and that the last-minute changes to her ticket were all in order, ‘I’m looking forward to not having to think for a bit and just follow our tour guide like a sheep. It’s been so hectic lately. It’ll be restful to be told what to do.’

Molly never did anything like a sheep and wasn’t good at being told what to do, but she did like a good fortnight in which to pack and have herself coiffed, waxed, plucked and beautified, and couldn’t possibly have got ready in the time available to Thea. ‘It was a dreadful rush for you. But don’t worry, I can probably lend you anything you’ve forgotten.’

‘Thank you,’ said Thea meekly, knowing she hadn’t brought toothpaste and there would probably be other things.

‘Shall we have coffee now, or after we’ve done the perfume?’ suggested Molly.

‘I do need to buy a book …’

‘Oh, no. You never get time to read on these holidays, you’re kept far too busy.’

‘So you’ve been on this type of tour a lot?’

‘Yes and our guide’s such a nice man. You could say I was a bit of a Gerald groupie.’ Molly giggled alarmingly.

Thea flirted with the notion of developing a previously unsuspected medical condition and going home, but it seemed both cowardly and churlish. Besides, Molly would find out she didn’t have travel insurance. ‘Oh, well, if you like it enough to come back, I expect I’ll have a good time too.’ She was trying to convince herself. ‘What’s the lecturer on Cézanne like?’