‘Why can they go in there and we can’t?’ Richard squinted through his gin.

‘They’re the older generation – like my Mum and Dad.’ Maddy was sweating. ‘They’ll probably want to talk about Radio Two and pension plans. Fran, get Richard a refill …’

Suzy tumbled from her bedroom wearing a black polo- necked sweater that just covered her bottom, an almost invisible denim skirt, and red Doc Martens. With a hazy smile at Fran and Richard, she wandered into the sitting room.

‘Is she going to talk about pension plans, too?’ Richard looked bemused.

‘Probably.’ Maddy nodded, wondering if Suzy was wearing anything at all under the polo-necked sweater. ‘She’s, er, very concerned about her future.’

It was nearly half-past eight. Drew wasn’t coming. Maddy knew she’d have to usher her odd assortment of guests through the curtain towards the dining table before long. Richard was smiling through a gin-induced haze, which augured well. She’d have preferred him comatose before he realised Luke was under the same roof, but it would do.

The letter box rattled again. Maddy pulled open the door with trembling hands.

‘So sorry we’re late.’ Drew smiled a distant smile. ‘Caroline couldn’t decide what to wear, again.’

‘No problem.’ Maddy held the door open wide. Drew looked gorgeous in a pale blue shirt and black trousers. ‘I’m just so pleased to see you. And it’s my fault – I should have made it clear that it was informal.’

‘Formal, informal,’ Drew shrugged, ‘she still wouldn’t have known what to wear. You women are all the same.’

Maddy wanted to say that no they weren’t. She had the black trouser suit for racing, and the black skirt and the velvet dress for parties. Choices were made for her by necessity. It must be bliss to have so many clothes that it caused a problem.

She kissed Caroline’s proffered cheek. The delay had been worth it. Caroline was wearing a dress that by its simplicity indicated its cost. It was like a cobweb caught on a dewy morning.

‘Sorry.’ Caroline smiled. ‘I drive Drew mad when we go out.’

Drew handed Maddy two pints of Glenfiddich, a bottle of Krug, and three bottles of Valpolicella. ‘I wasn’t sure what we were having. I thought these would cover everything.’

‘You’re wonderful! I mean, they’re wonderful. Thank you. It’s more than generous. Er …’

Drew laughed. ‘Just put them somewhere safe. Shall we go through?’

Caroline didn’t enquire why the party was taking place in the hall, or why Richard was sliding down the bathroom door, but shook hands politely.

‘Now, through here we have …’ The introductions were made. With relief, Maddy realised that both Caroline and Drew knew Luke. It might come in handy later.

At quarter past nine, unable to put it off any longer, she led the way through to the dining room. It looked cosy and inviting in a gothic sort of way.

Richard, his arms around Fran, squinted at Luke. ‘I’ve had too much to drink. I’m having hallucinations about bloody Delaney.’