From time to time Alex crossed my mind, but I just had another sip of wine and made my mind go blank; not letting myself dwell on him or Joseph Blake or pounding feet that got ever nearer. Or the fact that Bel was leaving England tomorrow for God knew how long. I sipped the wine and forced myself to think firmly of nice things like being at Pendarlin or seeing Seb, and after another drink I started to relax for the first time that day, until eventually I realised I was having a lovely time.

Then Charlie and Sally walked in, Sally in an ill-fitting wrap dress that strained over her generous bosom. I pulled a face at her.

‘He insisted on giving me a lift,’ Sally hissed on her way over to Bel. ‘Sorry.’

I thought about hiding, but Charlie, all blazer and tan loafers, intercepted me at the bar, where he redeemed himself a little by buying me a drink. I considered him over the rim of my glass for a long moment.

‘Why have you got it in for me?’ I was impressed by my own serenity, sipping my drink elegantly.

‘I haven’t got it in for you, darling, I really haven’t.’ Charlie smoothed back his hair, that bloody stupid signet ring catching the candlelight. ‘Don’t be so paranoid. I just don’t want to lose you, that’s all. There are so very bloody few who can actually do their job, Maggie. You’re the best I’ve got.’

‘Can you get me another drink then?’ I waved my half-empty glass at him. ‘It’s a nice glass, isn’t it?’ I gazed at it. ‘I think Alex and I had some glasses like this once.’ Before he threw them all at me.

‘I think you might have had enough.’

I gazed at him now. ‘Don’t be silly, Charlie. Silly-billy Charlie. I’ve only had about two. Most certainly not enough.’

‘Despite what you may think, Maggie darling,’ he drawled as I attempted to focus on him, ‘I do care about you – really.’

‘Rubbish.’ Someone bumped my back and I turned, tipping my entire drink down Charlie’s front in the process.

‘Whoops.’ I dabbed his shirt ineffectively with a beer mat. ‘Sorry about that. Quite a nice effect though.’ I stood back to admire the stain. ‘Sort of – marbled.’

‘For God’s sake, Maggie.’ He grabbed my hand. ‘This is pure silk.’

I laughed, happy to know it was possible to rattle Charlie. Then I had a thought. ‘Why didn’t you tell me Joseph was Lyons’s nephew?’

‘You did know. But it’s irrelevant. He deserves a chance.’