As predicted, Milton St John was deserted. Although it wasn’t yet eleven o’clock, even the Cat and Fiddle had closed its doors, its occupants all whooping it up in the marquee. There was no sound except the constant swish of traffic on the distant motorway, the occasional whinny from the stables, and the gurgling of the stream.

She had never been afraid of the dark, and tonight it moulded itself around her like a cloak, almost as if it was trying to shroud the misery. It was as hot as it had been at midday. No breath of wind stirred the trees. No hint of moisture in the air gave refreshment.

Maddy turned the corner. Lights blazed in Peapods and she felt sick. Drew must have taken Angie home. Her footsteps became slower. She suddenly wanted to run back to Barty’s yard and the noise and life of the reception. She didn’t want to be alone.

She paused. There was a car parked outside the cottage. It was probably one of the guests who, arriving late, hadn’t been able to park any closer. As she approached, the interior light flicked on and for the first time she felt a tremor of apprehension.

The driver’s door opened and a tall figure stepped out. ‘Hello, Maddy,’ Caroline said. ‘I’ve been waiting for you.’

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Twenty-nine

‘Drew’s at home,’ Maddy said, looking quickly across the road to where the lights from Peapods twinkled like stars through the lacy tracery of the ebony branches. ‘He’s not with me.’

‘I know.’ Caroline’s quiet voice sounded like a shout in the silence. ‘I’ve already spoken to Drew. He told me you were at Kimberley’s reception. I waited. Can I come in?’

‘OK.’ She fumbled with the key and kicked the rug away. ‘Would you like a drink?’

Caroline blinked in the harsh light. ‘Tea would be lovely, if you don’t mind.’

‘No, I need one myself.’ Maddy slopped water into the kettle. She had made tea on Caroline’s first visit. Maybe this was symbolic. ‘Do you want to talk in the sitting room?’

‘Here will be fine.’ Caroline had followed her into the kitchen and pulled out a chair while Maddy rattled the cups.

‘I was very sorry about your father. Are you and your mother coping?’

‘Yes.’ Caroline spoke stiffly. ‘It was a devastating blow, but we’re coming to terms with it.’ She paused and examined her apricot nails. ‘I insulted you by offering you that job. I shouldn’t have done it. I was being insensitive. I want to apologise.’

‘There’s no need.’ Maddy frowned. ‘Surely that wasn’t what you wanted to talk about?’

‘No. I just wanted to clear that up. I hate ragged ends. The wine bar was just an idea I had, and one I’ve since dropped. You should have told me that shop was known locally as the Porn Parlour.’