‘This is a pretty clematis. You must give me a cutting.’ Caroline reached up and let the fronds drift through her fingers. ‘I would have preferred to come alone this evening. Drew is so negative about my business, and had I known Peter was going to be here I would have definitely left him at Peapods.’ She made Drew sound like an untrained Labrador.

‘Why?’ Maddy, shocked by Caroline’s dismissive words and aware of Drew’s hiss of breath, wasn’t sure she wanted to know. ‘What’s Peter got to do with it?’

‘He’s got such style. And he’s very astute, business-wise. I could have asked his advice, too. Still, maybe another time. Now, Maddy, I’m thinking of expanding. The money from the Spanish deal will help tremendously. I want to open wine bars.’

Drew snorted.

‘Aren’t they very 1980s?’ Maddy was vague about these things. ‘Do people still go to wine bars?’

‘Oh, absolutely. I’ve already made enquiries in Jersey and Guernsey and got some super feedback. And while I’ve extended my visit here I’ve scouted round the area. It’s crying out for that sort of thing. Not just wine bars but an eaterie as well.’

Maddy flinched at ‘eaterie’. She still looked blank.

‘If I opened one in Milton St John – which is very likely - there’s an empty shop along by Bronwyn’s that used to sell photographs or something …’

‘It got raided by the Vice Squad last August.’

‘Yes, well, that one. Maddy, what I want to know is, would you run it for me?’

‘You want her to what?’ Drew rocked forwards. He obviously hadn’t been consulted. ‘I’ve never heard anything more ridiculous.’

‘Drew, please.’ Caroline’s lips were a tight line. ‘When have I ever interrupted a business meeting of yours?’

Maddy wanted to laugh. She stared at Caroline. Was the woman mad? ‘Why on earth me?’

‘Because you’re warm and friendly and people flock to you. Because you can cook. Because I think you should be doing something other than cleaning for a living.’

Fury spiralled up in a white-hot volcano, Maddy choked it back. Drew stared at his wife in disgust. ‘For Christ’s sake, Caroline! Maddy isn’t –’

‘It’s OK, Drew.’ She spoke evenly, looking at Caroline. ‘I am more than happy with Shadows. It’s very kind of you, Caroline, but no, I couldn’t possibly.’

‘I work for myself.’

‘Yes, but it’s not really work, is it? Cleaning? Anyone can clean. I’m offering you managerial status.’

‘I’m sure she doesn’t want your charitable offerings,’ Drew snapped, looking at Maddy for the first time. ‘Do you?’

‘Absolutely not. I don’t want charity, managerial status, or an employer.’ Maddy’s eyes glittered. ‘Thank you again, but no. Anyway, you’d be in direct competition with the Cat and Fiddle.’