They lapsed into silence. They were like two women at the pit-head after a mining disaster, Maddy thought hazily, neither of them knowing if their man would return safely.

Except, of course, that her man was somebody else’s.

‘Good God! Is that Suzy?’ Fran squinted across the lawns. ‘What on earth is she wearing?’

‘It’s called a dress.’ Maddy peered. ‘Is Luke with her?’

‘No. Not that I can see. Suzy doesn’t wear dresses …’

‘She does now she’s in love.’ Maddy smiled fondly at her sister, fleetingly visible across the crowded garden. Suzy was wearing a red and white polka-dot dress that skimmed the top of her thighs. She was also wearing the red Doc Martens. With her newly bleached hair she looked like a young Kate Moss.

Fran screwed her eyes up against the bright evening sun. ‘I can see at least two of everybody. What has Kimberley put in this stuff?’

‘No idea,’ Maddy took another mouthful, ‘but I’m praying that it loosens inhibitions. Bronwyn’s relying on me to talk to Diana about Goddards Spinney.’

She drained her beaker and placed it upside down on a gnome. She’d come back for it later. Right now she was going to speak to Diana while the punch still pumped valour through her veins.

‘Wish me luck.’

‘I’d come with you to hold the handbags,’ Fran said, ‘but I’ve left Chloe and Tom with Brenda and Elaine’s kids and they’ve probably disembowelled each other. Catch you later.’

Maddy picked her way through the villagers who were lying about the lawn in untidy heaps. The punch had made everyone extremely friendly. Maddy hoped Diana would have drunk a gallon of it before she reached her.

Richard suddenly appeared through the lupin border and Maddy felt a surge of relief. At least he was OK. She waved. ‘Fran’s over there with the kids. By the barbie. Congratulations on your win.’

Richard threaded his way through the throng. His lip was swollen and he had the beginnings of a black eye. Maddy’s heart sunk.

‘I hate him!’ Richard winced. ‘Luke Delaney is a shit!’

‘He did that to you? In the helicopter?’ Maddy was beginning to panic. If Luke had violent tendencies would Suzy be safe?

Richard shook his head again. It was agony to watch. ‘I wish he had. I could have floored the bastard. No, I tripped on the step getting out.’

Maddy was very relieved. ‘So why are you so angry? If he didn’t hit you?’

‘He helped me up!’ Richard exploded. ‘I had to say fucking thank you!’

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

The bacchanalian revelry roared on. Everyone was hugging everyone else and agreeing that it was Kimberley’s best party ever. The sun was setting over the Downs, smearing the sky with pink and orange. Drew wasn’t coming.