Maddy shook her head. Gentle, easy-going Richard had been driven to this by Diana’s greed. If there was anything between Diana and Peter Knightley – as Bronwyn had suggested – then it was a match made in heaven.

Luke straightened up. ‘And I only come in for a pee …’

‘You’re not hurt?’

Luke shook his head. ‘A bit surprised, that’s all. I thought it was Suzy at first, messing about.’ He looked at Richard. ‘If you feel that strongly about it, I’ll go and see Mitchell D’Arcy tomorrow, and Mrs James-Jordan. I’ll step down.’

‘No you won’t,’ Fran said angrily. ‘Richard rides Saratoga because he’s been chosen to – on his merits – or not at all.’ And dragging Richard by his sleeve – just as she would Chloe or Tom – she marched out of the bathroom.

Maddy perched on the edge of the bath. It was a tricky situation, and one she’d feel better able to deal with if she hadn’t had quite so much whisky. ‘You want the Derby ride as much as Richard, though. You don’t really want to step down, do you?’

‘Of course not.’ Luke shook his head. His black hair was silky. She’d kill for his cheekbones. ‘But I’m twenty-three. Rich is in his thirties. I know how much this means to him. He’s been a middle-ranker for all his career. I’ve got far more Derbys ahead of me than he has.’

Maddy sighed. Luke was nice, as well as beautiful. It was a heck of a combination. She could understand Suzy’s euphoria. ‘Do you think Mitchell D’Arcy would replace you?’

‘Not at the moment. He’s screwing Diana. They both want me to ride. It hasn’t got anything to do with Richard not being good enough. He’s a great horseman and a first-class jockey. It’s –’ He gave an embarrassed shrug. ‘It’s the publicity thing. They think I’ve got this image, and racing is really hard up. The more media attention they can attract the better.’

‘Well, you are,’ Maddy agreed, ‘good looking. You’d look super on the telly. And you’d probably replace all those footballers and racing drivers on teenage girls’ bedroom walls. No one is going to turn away that sort of moneymaking package. Apart from that, you’re a brilliant jockey. It’s a bit tough though – Richard can’t ride because he’s got ginger hair and freckles and a lived-in face.’

‘That’s about it,’ Luke said gloomily.

‘Leave it then.’ Maddy prised herself away from the bath. ‘I don’t see that there’s anything you can do.’ But there was plenty she could do, she thought. Starting with Diana James-Jordan. If she was having a fling with Mitchell D’Arcy there might be a bit of leverage there. ‘I’ll go and pacify Richard.’

‘You’re even nicer than Suzy said you were.’ Luke leaned forward. His eyes were on a level with hers. ‘And she said you were bloody fantastic. Thanks, Maddy.’

He kissed her on the forehead, turned, and walked straight into Drew.