Happily drunk, the villagers were climbing over tables, screaming with laughter, not even pretending to behave any more. Kimberley, with her expensive silk skirt rucked up to show a pair of large but shapely legs embellished by an ornate garter, was dancing wildly with Barty who was wearing her hat. Maddy was suddenly swamped by absolute misery. She looked towards Drew’s table. She’d been limiting herself to a covert glance every five minutes.

His chair was empty. So was Angie’s. They must be on the dance floor, she thought wildly. Or getting some refreshment from the stifling atmosphere of the marquee.

‘I’m just going outside,’ she said to Fran. ‘My head aches.’

It was even hotter outside than it had been in the marquee. She sucked in the humid air. It was like drinking bathwater. The night was dark, black clouds visible against the black sky. The air was heavy with roses and jasmine. Scuffles and muted giggles echoed from every corner of the garden. Maddy couldn’t bear it. Suppose Drew and Angie had been overcome by lust and sneaked off outside? She was suddenly reminded of that awful loveless coupling she had witnessed between Peter and Diana. Would it be like that? Or would Drew make love to Angie the way he had to her, tumbling, laughing, with glorious spontaneity? Gripping her fist tightly against her mouth, Maddy gagged, and the gnawing hollow pain beneath her ribs spread up into her throat until she thought she would choke.

She fought her way back into the marquee. It was beginning to look like an animated Karma Sutra. Fran and Richard were dancing dreamily together on the edge of the floor.

‘I’m going home,’ she said in Fran’s ear. ‘If Kimberley and Barty are still here tell them I’m sorry to poop so early.’

‘Oh, they disappeared ages ago,’ Fran said. ‘Mad, do you want me to drive you? I haven’t been drinking because of this.’ She patted her stomach.’ You shouldn’t walk. It’s dark.’

‘It’s the village,’ Maddy said shortly, ‘not Soho. And anyway, if anyone did jump out on me, the way I look they’d just run a mile.’

‘It’s not a good idea. Everyone has been drinking, and some of the lads can get quite larky. They wouldn’t mean to hurt you, but they’d think it was funny.’

‘There won’t be anyone left in the village.’ Maddy gazed round the heaving marquee. ‘This is scheduled to go on all night. Kimberley’s organised kedgeree and champagne for a dawn breakfast. Honestly, Fran, I’ll be fine.’

Fran still looked concerned, but she hugged Maddy. ‘OK. You’ve been very brave. I’ll come round tomorrow. Just try to sleep tonight.’

Maddy smiled wearily. Sleep was another luxury she’d learned to do without.