‘Oh, Harriet, I’m sorry. I had no idea he was going to attend. I didn’t know Jane had invited him, otherwise I would never have allowed Daniel Bland to come. I’m sorry, it must be deeply upsetting for you. Danny knew nothing about him until just recently, I can assure you. But how long have you known? Please don’t upset yourself; it is only us who knows who he really is, after all.’ Isabelle looked at Harriet, distraught, and then pleadingly at Danny, who now had to face his wife and then make himself known to his illegitimate son.

‘Harriet, I’m sorry you’ve had to find out this way. You do know that I loved only you, and that Amy was just an easy distraction – there was never anything between us.’ Danny tried to put his arms around his wife, who looked puzzled by their responses.

‘What are you both on about? Who is Daniel Bland, and why are you mentioning Amy Brown? At least I presume it is Amy Brown, considering that I told you, Isabelle, that I knew Danny had been unfaithful to me all those years ago. Don’t look so shocked, Danny, you made it so obvious at the time, and I’ve always known I was second best.’ Harriet looked at brother and sister and knew something untoward was in the making, with this so-called Daniel Bland. ‘I was referring to the fact that Ethan is dressed up to the nines and is parading our daughter around the dance floor, for all the world to see. So whatever it is that I’m not supposed to know and will be so shocked by, tell me now.’ She breathed in and looked at them both. It must be bad, as neither of them had blinked regarding the news of Ethan and Rosie’s escapade.

‘I think I have a son! That’s who Daniel Bland is. And he’s caught the eye of Jane; she’s been with him all night. That’s what Isabelle was telling me when you came over to us. I’d no idea – I’m so sorry Harriet, I must have hurt you all those years back, and now for you to have all this thrown in your face. He’s not thought of his actions.’ Danny reached for Harriet’s hand, but she pulled it away from him.

‘He’s not the only one who hasn’t thought about his rash actions, is he? Where are they? Does he know you are his father?’ Harriet gazed around the dance floor. Her eyes flitted from person to person, and the noise of the band and the sight of her Rosie and Ethan making fools of themselves to one and all made her feel quite faint.