Caroline, in the space of twenty-four hours, had watched her kiss two men who belonged firmly to other people. And she’d invited her to dinner …

The rest of the afternoon passed innocuously enough. Drew and Caroline were glanced occasionally through the crowds, but not at close quarters. This was probably why Caroline didn’t want to live with Drew on a permanent basis, Maddy realised. Drew Fitzgerald was the sort of womaniser who would relegate Peter to the second division. She grinned guiltily to herself. As a kisser, Drew made Peter look like a rank outsider. It was a revelation.

Suzy, once back in her jeans and T-shirt, had kissed everyone expansively, hugged her family, and floated off with Jason and Olly and the other Milton St John apprentices to celebrate her success.

‘Bloody great ride your Suzy gave that ’orse!’ Brenda and Elaine with their equally interchangeable husbands and children, grabbed hold of Maddy’s arm as she queued at the Tote’s pay-out window. ‘We did ’er each way.’

‘So did I.’ Maddy said, collecting a very welcome thirty-two pounds. Obviously the Tote punters hadn’t given much for Dancing Feet’s chances either. ‘Big celebrations at the Cat and Fiddle tonight?’

‘Too right.’ Brenda nodded her perm vigorously. ‘Specially if Saratoga wins the Greenham.’

Maddy hoped he wouldn’t for Fran and Richard’s sake. She hoped that Luke Delaney would ride like a sack of potatoes and saw the horse’s mouth off. Of course, he didn’t.

‘Sod it.’ Fran sighed as they again stood in the stands, this time to watch the Derby trial. ‘He not only looks sensational, he rides like an angel. I bloody hate him.’

‘Richard’s doing OK, though. He’s in second place.’

‘Second place on Diana and Gareth’s second string,’ Fran moped. ‘And going backwards.’

They all were. Luke Delaney was cruising along the undulating green carpet, merely using hands and heels, not once touching his whip. Saratoga Sun was an outstanding horse and Luke Delaney was an outstanding jockey. Grudgingly, Maddy thought Diana had a point.

There were wild celebrations over Saratoga’s win. The whole of Milton St John seemed to have re-mortgaged their houses. Maddy hadn’t had a bet, out of solidarity with Fran and Richard, and now the odds would be hopeless for The Derby. Diana was kissing Mitchell D’Arcy and Luke Delaney and anyone else that came within range. Gareth looked cross-eyed.

‘We won!’ He attempted to pat Maddy’s cheek and missed. ‘We bloody won. I think we’ve just seen the Derby winner there.’

‘So do I.’ Maddy shot a quick glance at Fran. ‘Congratulations.’

‘You’ve made this very nice, Maddy.’ Mrs Beckett looked around the cluttered sitting-room. ‘A bit, er, bohemian, perhaps, but that was always your taste.’

‘Yes, I like it. Do you want a drink, Mum? Dad?’

They both shook their heads and said they’d prefer tea.

‘And you’re sure it’s not putting you out? With sleeping arrangements and everything?’

‘Not at all. I’ve put you in my room. It’s got a double bed.’ She’d spent until the early hours making it respectable. ‘And I’ll go in with Suzy.’