‘Not you and Drew, stupid.’ Suzy tugged her T-shirt down to groin level. She didn’t appear to be wearing a skirt. ‘I’d never say anything about that. No, the other-other. About Mrs J-J and Mr Twice Knightley. I can keep a secret. I’m not a child.’

‘No, you’re not. I’m sorry. And anyway, Peter and Diana are now history. I suppose Mitchell D’Arcy is flavour of the month. Peter and Stacey are getting married – definitely a match made in hell.’

‘You should be getting married, Mad. You’re too lovely to be on your own.’

‘I’m not on my own. I’ve got you, haven’t I?’ Maddy hugged her, loving her dearly. She really was becoming revoltingly broody. ‘I’m very proud of you, Suzy.’

Embarrassed, Suzy wriggled free, and picking up the car keys, slammed out of the cottage. Roberta Flack was still crooning about making love.

Unable to do that, Maddy made a spaghetti bolognaise instead. She was just sloshing red wine into the sauce when Drew walked into the kitchen.

He leaned against the refrigerator. ‘It’s like a dream come true. You, the music, delicious food …’

Maddy quickly wiped her lips on her sleeve. ‘How did you manage to escape?’

‘Nefarious means.’ Drew pulled her into his arms. ‘You smell of herbs and garlic and red wine.’

‘Good enough to eat?’

‘Definitely good enough to kiss.’ He did. ‘Oh, Christ. I miss you. I wish you’d let me tell Caroline. If I did –’

‘I wouldn’t see you again.’ Maddy turned back to stirring the sauce. ‘How is she?’

‘Happily flooding the whole of southern England with wine.’ He sat at the table. ‘And showing no signs of going home. Ever since Derby night when she actually enjoyed herself for once, she’s seemed to want to stay. I wish she wouldn’t. Hell, this is terrible. I shouldn’t even be saying this.’

‘No, you shouldn’t. Did you know that Kimberley and Barty are getting married?’

‘No! That’s wonderful. When?’

‘Some time in September. They’re merging their yards. I don’t know who’s buying Kimberley’s, but no doubt the grapevine will tell us soon enough. Do you want a drink?’

‘No time, unfortunately. We’re eating out tonight and I’ve still got evening stables to do. September is going to be a hell of a time for weddings, then. Isn’t that when Peter and Stacey have planned theirs?’

Maddy dived into the larder and rummaged around in the muddle for the pasta jar. She didn’t want him to see her face. Drew and Caroline were going out to dinner. She’d eat spaghetti bolognaise on her lap in front of the television.

‘Mmm, I think so.’ They were silent for a while. ‘Drew, I’m not pregnant.’ He didn’t answer. She found the jar and re-emerged. ‘I said –’