Maddy didn’t, but she was beginning to understand quite a lot.

‘And, of course, little Stacey’s father is extremely wealthy. Little Stacey’s father is going to be Peter’s partner …’

And little Stacey was going to be Peter’s wife! Maddy could have cried. It all made sense now. Peter would seduce Diana for the land – and marry Stacey for the money. He hadn’t changed a bit.

‘But what can we do?’

‘Plenty.’ Bronwyn nodded fiercely. ‘We’ll set up an action committee and fight them every inch of the way. And I mean fight, Maddy. People are rising up and fighting all over this country against developments like this. Houses, roads, golf courses – anything that leads to the decimation of our heritage! We must fight for the preservation of Milton St John!’

Maddy looked at Bronwyn Pugh with admiration. ‘Count me in, then. As soon as you have your first meeting, let me know. I’ll be there.’

‘Will you speak to Suzy? And Fran and Richard?’

‘Yes, but Fran and Richard are going to be a bit torn. With their connections with the James-Jordans, I mean.’

‘Do your best.’

‘I’d like to join in.’ Caroline turned her slanting eyes to Maddy. ‘When I’m here. And I’m sure Drew will support you. He’s very keen on the countryside.’

‘Good girl,’ Bronwyn said approvingly. ‘The more people we can get, the louder our voices will be – and the stronger our clout!’

Maddy was amazed. Bronwyn Pugh must have been a flying picket in a previous incarnation.

‘We won’t say any more about it tonight, Maddy. I don’t want to spoil this lovely evening. But I’ll try and book the village hall for as soon as possible. And I’m so glad you’re on our side. I wondered if perhaps your, er, relationship with Peter may make you a bit doubtful.’

‘Absolutely not. No wonder he’s buying up the Old Manor. That would suit him down to the ground. Lord of the Manor and running a golf course. Oh no, it would give me great pleasure to fight Peter on this one.’

Bernie Pugh ambled across and asked Caroline to dance. Maddy noticed the start of panic equally masked by a small smile of acceptance. Caroline held herself stiffly away from Bernie as they marched round the sitting room to a Led Zeppelin melody. She must be frigid. Maddy didn’t think she’d ever come across the condition before. It was really quite interesting. She’d have to discuss it with Suzy later.

‘Maddy, quick!’ Fran’s face was anguished. ‘I think there’s a bit of a fracas in the bathroom! I can hear swearing and –’

Maddy hurried across the hall and hurled the door open. Richard had his hands firmly round Luke Delaney’s throat.

‘Jesus Christ!’ Fran barged past Maddy and tugged at her husband. ‘What the hell are you doing?’

‘Getting the ride on Sharatoga Shun,’ Richard slurred. ‘Leave us alone!’

‘Oh, Richard,’ Fran groaned. ‘This is crazy. It isn’t worth it.’ She hauled him backwards until he collapsed against her.