It was kind of her to ask. I do feel safe in their company, and I’m sure Thea wants someone to talk to. The doctor – whose name I have discovered is Garrick – doesn’t say much. Thea says he’s a thoughtful man who likes to focus on subjects rather more significant than who has the biggest pool in Louisiana, a not-so-subtle dig at Donna.

At dinner we talk about the day, what we’ve seen, what we love about the place, and it’s not until we are on to the main course that things become more intense, and I start to feel slightly uncomfortable. Thea asks me to tell her about my life.

I have no intention of mentioning Ian again, but do I want to tell her about my dysfunctional family? I don’t want to talk about my dad. I haven’t spoken to him for months – not since he and my stepmother, Annabel, gave Pops hell for giving me some money to help me buy my house. Apparently they thought everything should go to them, and things turned very nasty. Instead, I plump for a safe conversation about my job.

‘I work as part of the events team at Manchester Central – the convention complex. I was so lucky to get the job; there aren’t many opportunities like that in and around Manchester.’

Thea gives me a wide smile. ‘How lovely! We go into Manchester quite regularly. It’s become such a pleasant city. We live just on the border with Cheshire. Do you enjoy your work?’

I answer honestly. ‘I love it, but it can be pretty full on and it’s a huge responsibility logistically. My boss, Tim, is a bit of an idiot, which is unfortunate.’

Thea and Garrick are facing me, and on the table behind them sits Paul. He has kept to himself most of the time, although I often look up and find his eyes on me. Tonight he has his back to us, but I notice he’s leaning back in his chair, and I get the impression he’s trying to hear what I’m saying. Why would he care about my work?

I’ve felt even more ill at ease around him since Donna leaned across one day when we were at lunch, signalling with her scarlet-painted talons for us to come closer. ‘I heard an odd thing today about that man, Paul,’ she said, whispering and glancing around to see if anyone was listening. ‘The steward told me that he’s taken every trip on this boat since the end of December. He’ll have done three trips before he goes home.’ Donna nodded her head once, as if this was very telling. ‘He’s staying on board until early February. What do you think that’s about, then?’