Maddy winced at the bitterness. Richard’s usually sunny face was lined with anger, and there were dark shadows beneath his eyes. She wished there was something she could do.

‘I’ll try for you, you know that.’

‘It’s a complete waste of time. Gareth might be persuaded to change his mind, but then he’s not having a fling with Mitchell D’Arcy, is he?’

‘Doesn’t he know?’

‘He never knows about Diana’s men – and if he did, what could he do? Diana owns the yard. Heck, Maddy, you’re not going to tell him?’

‘Of course not. For the same reason that you haven’t. He’s a nice man who would be very hurt. I did think at one time that I might be able to use it, but I don’t think it would solve anything. Oh, bloody hell!’ She looked at Richard. ‘What are you down to ride in The Derby?’

‘Jefferson Jet. He’s pretty good, but nowhere near Saratoga. I would just love to win this year. It would mean that Fran and I could afford to start a family. She says it’s OK, but she’s thirty-seven. We can’t really wait much longer … Oh, life’s a shit!’

Maddy watched him climb into his car and felt helpless. Richard was probably right. Life was a shit. She was in love with a married man; her best friends’ lives were being ruined by Diana’s excesses; Peter Knightley was hell-bent on carving up the village; and the bimbo stick-insect felt sorry for her. Jesus!

‘Hello, Maddy.’ Gareth sauntered round the corner. ‘Why the frown?’

‘I was thinking about the meaning of life.’

‘Oh dear. That sounds too profound for me.’ Gareth pushed his trilby to the back of his head. ‘Can I help?’

‘I don’t think so. Not unless you’ll jock Luke off and put Richard up on Saratoga for The Derby.’

‘No can do, my dear. I’m sorry. Mitchell is adamant. It has to be Luke Delaney. Bit of a bugger, really. Richard is a damned fine horseman. I’d be more than happy to see him ride. I don’t doubt his ability. Still, next to the Arabs, Mitchell D’Arcy is the wealthiest owner around. Diana won’t risk losing him.’

In more ways than one, Maddy thought sourly. ‘Is Diana in? I need to speak to her anyway – well, to both of you, but I’d rather start with Diana.’

‘Most people would.’ He shrugged. ‘Hell of a handicap having a bankrupt family and being totally reliant on my wife. I’m lucky that we’ve got such a strong marriage. God knows what I’d do without her.’

Maddy gave a small smile. ‘Can I talk to her?’