There were a million other things she wanted to ask him, but more than any of them she longed to throw herself into his arms. She swallowed. ‘I’m really sorry.’

‘So am I.’ The voice was still bleak. ‘I loved you very much.’

Maddy’s heart plummeted at the past tense. Fran and Suzy were right. She’d lost him. She took a step forward. ‘Maybe if we talked it over …’

‘Now you’re beginning to sound predictable. You were never that. But, yes I agree that we should talk. Not here though.’

‘Why not? I’m not with anyone. You’re on your own.’

He gave a harsh laugh. ‘I naturally expected you and Charlie to be together, and you’re just assuming that because Caroline isn’t with me that I’m on my own, are you?’

Maddy rocked on the spot. Drew’s eyes drifted over her head. ‘This is why today wouldn’t be right.’

‘Drew! Goodness, that bar is crowded! If I’m going to be living in Milton St John, I’m going to have to get used to their drinking habits! Oh, hello …’

Maddy stared in absolute misery at the girl carrying two glasses of champagne. Tall, slender, extremely pretty, she was wearing pale blue to match her eyes. Her hair was streaky blonde and moved silkily in the warm breeze.

‘This is Maddy.’ Drew smiled the warm, devastating smile he used to smile for her. ‘Maddy lives in the cottage opposite Peapods. You might have noticed it. Maddy, this is Angie.’

Her smile was frozen. Her lips were numb. If she stayed there a moment longer she’d disgrace herself. She nodded her rigid neck like an automaton. ‘I’d better go. Fran and Richard will be waiting.’ She looked at Drew and the pale and pretty Angie and stifled a sob. ‘It’s been very nice …’

She flew towards the marquee, her head thundering, a gnawing pain spreading under her ribs. The villagers called greetings. She might have answered them. She didn’t know.

Inside the marquee it was pink and warm and as highly scented as a florist’s shop. Huge banks of lilies and roses wafted sensuously, music played discreetly, Milton St John, arrayed in their very best, were out in force. Maddy stopped short at the edge of the cork dance floor, looking helplessly at the array of tables. The noise of happy talk was a roaring ocean that threatened to engulf her.

She didn’t know what to do. In total misery and confusion, she shook her head. She didn’t want to stay here and witness Drew and Angie’s togetherness, but equally, the thought of returning alone to the cottage was just as frightening. She was shaking. She couldn’t help it. He couldn’t have loved her at all. He was no different to Peter.