‘That’s a good thing, isn’t it?’

‘It is, so long as I don’t stuff myself to the point of obesity.’

‘Madi, I somehow can’t see that happening. You strike me as a woman who knows how to look her best.’

‘All those years in the public eye, I suppose, where appearance is all. Can’t go on stage without the right costume, every hair in its place, the full make-up … I’ve spent my life putting on a serious face or a tragic face or a laughing face, no matter how I might feel inside. I’ve lost weight for a part, padded up for others. It’s all a façade. A charade. Sometimes I forget who the real Madi Cardew is.’

‘And have you found her now?’

‘That’s why I’m here. To escape for a while, to let myself breathe. And it’s working, Tom. Or I hope it is. There’s something about having cancer that changes your view of life, you know. Brings things into focus. The things that have been pushed aside, forgotten.’

‘Like?’

‘Like people. Friendships. Even Patty there. You shouldn’t mock her, you know. She’s tried so hard to be nice to me. Welcomed me into the village. Okay, she can be a bit … in your face, but she’s a good woman. She’s genuine, if you know what I mean, which I have to say a lot of actors aren’t. It’s all me, me, me. And I’ve been guilty of that too, I’m sure. Suddenly my acting life seems a bit superficial, a long way removed from reality. And here … well, this is real life, isn’t it? A village show, open fields, a sick cat, scones and jam …’

‘Okay, I get the hint.’ He stood up and felt in his pocket for his wallet. ‘Scones it is. And a sandwich or two. And tea with two sugars, right? See, I remembered. Sit and enjoy the peace and quiet while you can. The hordes will be joining us out here soon enough.’

He was right, of course. He had no sooner disappeared inside than a string of villagers began to wander into the garden, nodding hello as they rushed to bag a table before they all filled up. Ralph and Sian stopped to ask after Flo and to introduce Ralph’s brother Joe who shook Madi’s hand but looked far too distracted to stop and chat.

‘Oh, don’t mind him,’ Sian said when he’d wandered back inside to get their tea. ‘He can be a moody sod when he wants to be. Not really his thing, this, but their dad wanted them both here in case he won the wine contest. I’m surprised Joe came, to be honest, as he and his dad are hardly speaking these days, but old habits die hard and I think he was hoping Prue might turn up.’

‘Not likely. As far as I know, she’s still at my place, and will be for another two weeks at least.’

‘Ah, but he doesn’t know that. She never did tell him where she went. Or for how long.’