Maddy looked. Kimberley, in her coral-pink outfit, could have been used for guiding planes on to the runway. She had a Pimm’s in each hand and was laughing with Barty who, without his top hat, only came up to her shoulder.

Gareth, who with his elongated body, looked better in morning dress than most people, was steering Diana carefully down the steps. Diana’s dress was in apricot silk and so tightly fitting that she could hardly even move one leg at a time, hence Gareth’s assistance: Her hat was a mixture of apricot and black lace and veiled her expression. There was no sign of Drew or Caroline.

As the morning wore on, the Downs became a seething mass of people with not a pinprick of grass between them. The ocean of a thousand splintered conversations rose and fell. The sun climbed steadily as the grandstands swallowed yet more visitors and the bookmakers set out their pitches. Maddy found herself screwing up her eyes and counting to ten, then twenty, telling herself that when she opened them she would see Drew. Fran was gulping back Pimm’s like lemonade.

‘Maddy!’ The warm voice slithered through the crowd. ‘Maddy – oh, you look gorgeous. Didn’t I tell you that dress was made for you? And what a hat!’

Maddy turned and faced Caroline. ‘Hello.’ While her smile was for Caroline, her eyes, skimming the crowds, were searching for Drew. He wasn’t there.

‘You look sensational.’ Caroline was wearing the black and red dress they’d bought in Knightsbridge. Her hat, in red net, sat on top of her glossy bob in variegated peaks like stiffly whisked egg whites. She really was exceptionally beautiful.

‘This is wonderful.’ Caroline waved her hands, encompassing the whole scene. ‘Even if you don’t like horses, which I don’t, this is still an occasion not to be missed. I came out of the bar to watch the band and, of course, see the Royals. Have you seen Drew yet?’

‘No,’ Maddy said, too quickly. ‘I mean, no, I haven’t. I suppose he’s with Kit and Rosa ?’

‘And the horse and Suzy.’ Caroline gave a martyred laugh. ‘Tactics, tactics, tactics. So boring!’ She smiled politely at Fran who giggled back.

‘I’ve been instructed to meet Drew in the paddock.’ Caroline gave them both the benefit of her sleepy smile. ‘For the saddling-up procedure. Until then, I’m free to circulate, which is just what I intend to do. I’ve got my business cards with me and I’m sure some of these people would be very interested in my wine. I told my parents to expect an increase in orders. Will you be in the paddock, Maddy?’

‘Er, no … I shouldn’t think so. I’ll watch Suzy’s race from the Grandstand. Why?’