Ben made a face. ‘In a manner of speaking. I’ve watched a couple of whelpings.’

The thought of trying to look after a dog having puppies with Petal and Molly in the room was more nightmare than bizarre dream. She knew they were both incredibly squeamish and would probably squeal louder than Lara every time anything happened. She caught Rory’s eye and signalled ‘do something!’ with every sinew.

He didn’t respond. Either he found the thought of Petal and Molly screaming and getting on chairs amusing, or he couldn’t do sign language.

She caught Ben watching her silent panic. ‘Perhaps I should warn you, Molly,’ he said. ‘Whelping bitches can make an awful lot of mess. I don’t suppose you’d like it and I expect Lara would appreciate a little peace as well.’

‘What sort of mess?’ asked Petal with horrified fascination.

‘Oh, you know, blood, water, black slime,’ Ben went on. ‘It stains everything it touches. Oh, look, she’s having a contraction.’

Rory, obviously amused by the general expressions of horror, finally took the hint. ‘Why don’t I take everyone off to the pub? We can get a bite to eat there and Lara could have her pups quietly on her own.’

‘You can’t leave her on her own to have her pups,’ protested Thea.

‘Well, make up your mind, woman,’ said Rory. ‘First she needs peace and now she needs company.’

‘No,’ Ben said. ‘The pub’s a good idea. Rory, you take Molly and Petal while Thea and Toby and I see to the pups.’

‘That’s a good idea,’ Thea agreed. ‘Can you fit everyone in your Land Rover, Rory?’ She moved nearer him so they could speak in private. ‘And see if they do B&B – we can’t put everyone up here.’

Rory went into his room to get a coat and Thea found herself being edged into a corner by Molly. ‘Darling, I had to get you on your own, just for a moment.’

Thea didn’t feel on her own, she felt herself in a room full of people, but Molly had an earnest expression which bordered on the worried. ‘What is it? Nothing’s really wrong at home, is it?’

‘Oh, I don’t know. What I wanted to say is… I mean … there’s no need for you to … you won’t mention to Derek that I had a little flirtation with Gerald, will you?’

Thea really did wonder if she was awake – it was all so bizarre. ‘Molly, we’re in the middle of Ireland – well, on the edge of Ireland – Aix seems a lifetime ago.’ A terrible thought occurred to her. ‘Don’t tell me, you’ve left Gerald in the car and you’ve run away from Derek.’