Fran was waving. ‘Over here, Maddy! You’re with us and Suzy and Luke – oh, and Charlie when he comes back.’

She tottered towards the flailing burnt-orange arm and sank into a pink and white chair.

Fran pushed a glass of champagne towards her ‘There. The first of many. Have you seen Kimberley yet? She looks stunning, and Barty is – Jesus! What’s wrong? What did Drew say?’

‘Not a lot.’ Maddy couldn’t stop her hands or mouth trembling enough to get the glass to her lips. Richard leaned across and helped her. ‘He’s with someone else.’

‘Not Caroline?’

‘Someone very pretty called Angie.’ Her tears rolled down her cheeks and she dashed them away with a napkin emblazoned with wedding bells. ‘Oh God, Fran. What am I going to do?’

‘Get very drunk and have the best time you’ve had in your life.’ Fran’s voice was grim. ‘Don’t you dare let anyone see how you’re feeling for once. Smile for Kimberley’s sake even if it kills you. Suzy and Luke will be here in a moment. They’ve gone to get some food for all of us. Don’t let them know. Promise me?’

Gently, Fran dabbed at Maddy’s eyes with the napkin. Maddy gave a tremulous smile.

‘That’s better.’ Fran squeezed the napkin back into Maddy’s hand. ‘We’ll worry about Drew and … Angie … later. You can do it, Mad. Remember how you fell apart after Peter?’

‘That was nothing like this,’ Maddy sniffed. ‘I didn’t feel this pain.’ She punched her ribs. ‘I didn’t feel this frightened.’

‘No. But then you only thought you loved Peter.’ Fran poured more champagne. ‘Today you’re going to sparkle and scintillate and knock ’em for six. OK?’

‘OK.’ Maddy clattered the champagne flute against her teeth. She had never felt less like scintillating in her life.

Kimberley looked fantastic. Her cream silk suit had been tailored to make the most of her large, shapely figure; her hat, a massive brimmed confection in cream lace, perched on her glossy bobbed hair. She’d even had a professional make-up. Barty looked like he’d just won the lottery.

‘You’re quite a skinny ribs these days.’ Kimberley held Maddy’s hands. ‘Oh, have you seen my ring?’ She displayed an engraved gold band. ‘I am so happy.’

‘It shows,’ Maddy whispered, kissing her. ‘You look beautiful.’

Kimberley leaned forward. ‘I’m so sorry about Drew, my dear. I don’t suppose you want to talk about it?’

‘No.’ Maddy gave a little laugh. ‘And certainly not today. I’ve met, er, Angie. She’s very pretty …’

‘Very. And she seems a nice, intelligent girl. No bimbo.’ Kimberley sighed. ‘I’ve no idea who she is. It’s a bugger, Maddy, love. He rang this morning and asked if he might bring a guest. I assumed it would be Caroline.’