‘Diana and I had a little chat earlier this evening. We know where we stand. At least she’s not frightened of me. I need her business.’

‘And how did you feel? Seeing them together, like that?’

‘Sick. I threw up. I haven’t told Fran or Suzy or anyone. I wasn’t jealous. Just sick … It was horrible.’

‘And she was just wearing riding boots? Does Peter have a thing about boots, then?’

‘Not as far as I know. Oh, you mean, did I have to put on Wellingtons and a balaclava when we were together?’ She laughed. ‘No, not at all. Maybe it’s Diana’s fetish.’

‘You could use it, you know.’ Drew bit into a burger. ‘You could get Peter to back off the spinney and probably stop the golf course in its tracks. Bronwyn would love you for ever.’

‘No, I couldn’t. I wouldn’t. And anyway, it would be their word against mine. I just want to forget it. I wouldn’t even tell Stacey, much as I dislike her. She’ll have to discover for herself that Peter is a rat. Like I did.’

‘You’re too nice, Maddy.’ Drew inched closer. ‘I’m pleased you told me. I’ll never look at either of them in the same light again. I’m so glad I came to Milton St John.’

Maddy snuggled against him and started eating his salad. ‘So am I …’

Barty had handed over his makeshift bar to Brenda and Elaine’s husbands and was doing the rounds of the barbecue with a big metal jug full of punch. Seeing Maddy and Drew without mugs he beavered across to them and ladled out two huge drinks.

‘Going well, isn’t it?’ His Panama was at a rakish angle and his eyes blinked rapidly as he tried to focus on Maddy’s cleavage. ‘This has got everyone in the party spirit.’ He tapped the jug and winked at Maddy. ‘Especially Richard – he’s had three pints and thinks he’s Mike Tyson.’

Maddy looked up in alarm. ‘Where is he? I thought he was with Fran and the kids? He’s not fighting with Luke Delaney?’

‘God, no!’ Barty rocked on his heels. ‘Luke’s in no condition to fight with anyone. He’s with your Suzy in the greenhouse. No, Richard is prowling the grounds looking for Diana. I wouldn’t give much for her chances. Enjoy yourselves.’ And he staggered away to the next customers.

‘Should I go and throw a bucket of water over Luke and Suzy?’ Drew grinned. ‘Or – Christ, Maddy, where are you going?’

She staggered to her feet. ‘We’ve got to find Richard before he finds Diana. She’s put him back up on Saratoga.’

‘So?’ Drew stood up. ‘Maybe he wants to thank her.’

‘He wants to kill her.’ Maddy looked over her shoulder. ‘He doesn’t know he’s got the ride back. He’ll blow it completely. Come on!’