‘They were just behind us.’

Her phone pings now. It’s a text from Lisa.

I’m stuck in traffic, but I’m on my way. Good luck with the swim. Can’t wait to be there.

Jamie gives her an enquiring look and she explains that Lisa is coming down and will be here in time for the party. Because she’s hoping that’s what today will turn into, once they’ve done the swim. Dominica is bringing loads of beers and Claire and Pim have offered to do the catering. They’re all determined to give Helga and Linus a good send-off.

Maddy and Jamie spot Tor, who is already in her costume. She’s with Lotte and another girl and waves Maddy over. Tor introduces Alice, her twin sister. Alice has the kind of polished look that Maddy used to have, she thinks, recognising her Botoxed skin and pristine eyebrows and highlights. But, next to Tor, who is so natural and fresh, she looks older and somehow more pinched. She’s a good-looking girl, but all her interventions haven’t actually enhanced her beauty, but rather ruined it. She smiles, her teeth whitened and straightened.

‘Oh my God,’ Alice says. ‘Tor has told me all about you. You’re the Maddy. Maddy from @made_home?’

‘Yes.’

‘I love what you do. Honestly. When I decorated my house, I followed all your advice.’

‘Thank you.’

‘I’m not joking,’ Tor says, as Maddy puts down her bag. ‘She’s, like, a super fan.’

‘I can’t believe I’ve only just found out that Tor is friends with you.’

‘I’m flattered,’ Maddy says with a laugh. She talks to Alice for a while who wants advice on her new conservatory plan.

‘I loved that fern-shaped shelf you featured.’

‘I’ve still got it. I’ve just moved it.’

‘I’d happily buy it off you.’

‘Really?’

Maddy has been wondering what to do with all of the stuff she couldn’t bear to put in storage and is now in Helga’s conservatory, but this exchange suddenly sparks her interest. She could sell it all. To people like Alice. Why hasn’t it occurred to her before?

When Alice turns away to talk to Lotte, Maddy leans in close to Tor. ‘How’s it going with those two?’ She knows how nervous Tor’s been about Lotte meeting Alice.

‘They seem to have hit it off. Just like that. She came yesterday without Graham and the kids and it feels – I don’t know – like we’re all a family already. And Lotte thinks she’s great. It feels as if we can move on to the next stage. Lotte and I have been talking about finding a flat together, for just the two of us.’

‘That’s great, Tor. Honestly. I’m so pleased for you.’

She waves now as Claire and Pim arrive with their boys, who are loaded with a table and cool boxes.

Jamie is soon chatting to Claire’s boys and he helps them set up the table and deckchairs.

‘I’m so glad you’re here,’ Claire says to Jamie. ‘I want to ask you something.’