As people came streaming into the main hall, bearing boxes and bottles and vases, Madi followed Tom through to the small kitchen area where two enormous kettles were already on the boil and Patty was furiously transferring scones from tins to plates and dolloping jam into bowls.

‘Not quite ready yet,’ Faith trilled. ‘Give us five minutes and we’ll be open for business.’

‘Right-oh.’ Tom took Madi’s arm and led her through an open doorway and down an alleyway at the side. ‘It’ll be a madhouse in there for the next half an hour while the exhibits arrive, with everyone vying for the best positions and having a nose at the opposition. Let’s wait out in the sunshine for a while, shall we? But tell me if you start to feel cold.’

‘Don’t worry, I will.’ She pulled her collar up around her neck but, despite a breeze that was rustling the leaves, it was really quite pleasant out. In her rush to catch up with the other women, she had left her headscarf at home, but there was nothing quite like a wig to keep things … well, she’d like to say warm and snug, but sweaty would be a better description.

There was a small garden area behind the old wooden hall, with a collection of weathered tables and chairs arranged haphazardly on the grass. A couple of fat pigeons rose up from where they had been pecking at the ground and flew away as they approached. ‘They’ll be back soon enough.’ Tom laughed. ‘Once we start dropping crumbs.’

Within moments, Patty came flying out too, opening up a folded tablecloth and smoothing it over the nearest table. With her greying hair and white apron, and her arms flapping around like frantic wings, she looked like an over-sized pigeon herself.

‘Here, let me help you.’ Madi took the pile of linen from under Patty’s arm. ‘I’m sure you’ve got lots to be getting on with, and I can do these.’

‘Oh, thank you, Madi. Two cream teas, is it? Or I can make you a sandwich, if you prefer.’

‘It’s okay. You don’t have to wait on us.’ Tom waved her away. ‘I’ll come in and order at the counter like everyone else. When we’re ready.’

Madi moved around the garden, covering each table with a cloth, then they chose their seats, close to the shelter of the hedge, and sat down. ‘She means well.’

‘Oh, I know, but I do find her a bit … irritating is too strong a word. Just so busy, I suppose. The woman never seems to slow down. It’s like she doesn’t have an off button.’

Madi laughed. ‘But we are ready, aren’t we? For scones and a cup of tea. In fact, I’m famished! You should have let her bring them.’

‘Famished? Didn’t you have any breakfast?’

‘I did, but it’s getting on for lunchtime, isn’t it? Must just be the country air making me hungry. Or the beginnings of recovery. My appetite’s certainly coming back anyway, with a vengeance!’