They only just made it back to Paddington in time. Caroline, high on her mammoth spending spree, collapsed in a corner of the first-class carriage surrounded by bags. Maddy, having also used her credit card for green shoes and mock opal earrings, slunk in behind her feeling the guilt that always comes in a hot rush after foolish overspending. She’d have to ring the bank manager first thing in the morning. Caroline had insisted on paying for lunch and for the taxi back to Paddington, which Maddy thought was a frightful luxury when the Tube was so handy.

Caroline leaned back in her seat, easing off her shoes. ‘What a wonderful day. I can’t wait to show my mother that outfit I bought in Harrods. We’re trying to interest some Spanish holiday complex in taking our wine. That should sway the deal. European men always notice how one is dressed.’

‘What about Drew?’ Maddy’s feet were killing her but she couldn’t remove her loafers because her toenails needed cutting. ‘Will he like what you’ve bought?’

‘Probably. He never comments very much. I sometimes drag him with me when I shop because I think it does him good to realise that not everything revolves around horses. He’s usually quite complimentary.’

‘Why don’t you live with him?’ The train was rattling out of London, past grimy rows of houses and high-rise flats. ‘How can you bear to be apart from him?’

Caroline stretched like a cat. ‘I know you’re smitten with Drew, Maddy. But honestly, you don’t know him. I told you before, Drew and I are better at a distance.’

‘And you’ve never wanted to leave him permanently?’ Maddy’s head was thumping. She had to know. ‘It just seems such a peculiar arrangement. Yes, I do like him, Caroline. Very much. I’m sure that if he were my husband, I wouldn’t risk losing him.’

Caroline leaned forward. ‘I’ve never considered leaving him – as he’s never considered leaving me – because our relationship works so well. Everyone has a different idea of marriage. Drew and I don’t happen to believe that you need to live in each other’s pockets.’ She sighed. ‘There have been other girls, Maddy, who, like you, have thought that Drew was fun to be with and maybe more … Drew, again like me, isn’t particularly interested in the physical side of things.’ She stopped and gave an embarrassed laugh. ‘Neither of us rates sex very highly on our agenda. And, of course, there are other, deeply personal reasons why Drew and I stay together.’

Maddy bit her lip. The heartache was clouding her eyes. Just how much more deeply personal could you get?