‘I could probably use Shadows, too.’ Peter clung tenaciously to the conversation. ‘When I’ve found a suitable property.’ He moved closer to Maddy. ‘Maybe you could come and discuss your rates with me?’

‘Yes, of course. You aren’t going back to your flat, then?’

‘Heavens, no! I’ve moved onwards and upwards. I’m hoping to buy one of the houses by the church.’ Millionaires’ Row. Maddy was suitably impressed. The Knightley Health Studios must have made a bomb out of the flabby thighs and sagging bottoms of the rich and famous.

‘Well, as soon as you’re settled, I’d be delighted to discuss business with you.’

‘Just business?’ Peter’s breath was warm on her cheek.

‘Just business.’ She edged about an inch away from him, her knees quaking. Damn stupid physical attraction. It was over. Her brain knew it, and so did her heart. It was a pity her hormones were so slow on the uptake.

‘Spoilsport,’ Peter teased, making the words sound like ‘take your clothes off, I want you – now.’

Fortunately she was spared the need to respond to this onslaught. With admirable timing, Drew dropped his plate of leek and mushroom tart down Peter’s elegant cream trousers.

‘I’m most frightfully sorry!’ He looked anything but. ‘I don’t know what happened. Here, let me mop you down …’

‘No, no.’ Peter was backing away, flicking at clinging pieces of moist grey-green filling. ‘I’ll go and sponge it off in the cloakroom. If I’m quick it won’t stain.’

‘You must send me the cleaning bill of course.’

Drew was smiling as Peter rushed out of the alcove. He really did have the most delightful smile. Kimberley and Barty were refilling their plates and hadn’t noticed. Maddy bit her lip. ‘You did that on purpose.’

‘Of course I didn’t. It was a complete accident. I was so enthralled by his conversation that I simply lost my grip. I do apologise if you and he are an item.’

‘Were,’ Maddy said, watching with admiration as Drew adroitly scraped the remains of the leek and mushroom tart from Diana’s Chinese silk carpet. ‘Peter left Milton St John – and me – over a year ago. Although after my garbled introduction earlier, you probably think we’re admirably suited.’

‘A match made in heaven,’ Drew agreed. ‘And has he returned for you?’

‘God, no! According to the grapevine, he’s come back to the village to set up some new venture.’

Drew stood up and shoved the tart’s remains and an expensive linen napkin into the depths of an ornate urn. ‘I trust it’ll be slightly more in keeping than his attempt at a health studio. The first time I looked over Peapods I thought the decor and fitments were down to Cynthia Payne.’

Maddy’s giggle suddenly died as Stacey, the bimbo stick-insect, shimmied into the alcove. She was wearing a leopard-print Lycra dress, and her legs, encased in the sheerest black tights, disappeared into stilt-high heels.

‘Hello, Maddy. Where’s Peter?’

‘He’s had an accident. With his trousers.’ Drew was straight faced. ‘He’s in the cloakroom cleaning up.’