‘He’s also my cousin,’ Molly added, not wanting to miss out on any reflected glory that was going. ‘Now, Thea, when are you going to get changed?’

Thea looked desperately at her watch. ‘It’s only four o’clock!’

‘I’m not saying you have to do it now. I’m saying you have to leave enough time to go home, change and get back.’

‘Oh, I’m not going home.’ Thea laughed at this suggestion. ‘I’d never have time to do that! I’m going to change …’

‘In my hotel room.’ Magenta still looked like a model. ‘It’s just across the road. I’m going to do her hair and make-up.’

Thea started on the ‘Oh, no you’re not’ but saw she was outnumbered and closed her mouth again.

‘Oh, good,’ said Molly, referring to her ever-present clipboard. ‘That’s one thing off my mind. Now, where are we going to set up the bar?’

At five to six Molly, Petal and her crowd, Rory and Thea were all ready. They were all nervous, although Rory refused to acknowledge it. He was impossibly good-looking in his casual suit, clean shirt and new shoes. No tie, of course, and although the clothes were all designer, he hadn’t lost his rugged manliness. Thea was aware that every woman who saw him would metaphorically fall at his feet.

‘Well, we’re all here,’ said Rory, ‘and the champagne and smoked salmon are here. Let’s forget about the punters and just have a lovely party!’

Too late Thea remembered she’d resolved to fill him up with stodge, so the alcohol wouldn’t go straight to his head. ‘Rory, can I have a word with you?’ She drew him through into another room. She gathered a plate full of miniature tartlets filled with caviar and stuffed quails eggs. ‘Before you drink anything you’re to eat these. I’m not having you jeopardising your second chance because you got drunk again. Apart from anything else, it would do for my gallery before it’s even had a chance.’

‘It’s all right. No need to panic. I drank a tablespoon of olive oil before I came, which is what the Russians do to line their stomachs. I forced down a pint of water, so I’m too full to drink much and I’ve learnt my lesson after last time.’

‘Well, that’s a weight off my mind. I thought I’d have to be following you about, counting every glassful, smacking your wrist if you had too many.’

‘So you’re not going to do that now?’

‘Well, no, not if you’ve decided to be sensible.’

‘What a shame. I think I would have rather enjoyed it. You know you look sensational, don’t you, Thea? You knock those other women, who are not at all bad-looking, right out of the frame.’