Martin is watching closely; his eyes flick between husband and wife: Eric’s tone, his glance, Eve’s response; the silent exchange under the spoken one. Perhaps he’s storing it all for a novel, perhaps he’s been watching her and Paul too. She closes her eyes; she needs to think this through. Izzy would be happy, surrounded by the other children. Paul would spend time with Eric; she could relax for once, sit in the sun, swim, sleep. The warmth would be healing. There would be friends to talk to, Eve and maybe Grace. The offer bobs in front of her like a raft sent for rescue. No one speaks. Eve reaches for Ash and takes him back on to her lap, the dimple has vanished. The raft is bobbing by, soon it will be gone.

‘It would be wonderful,’ Melissa hears herself saying a little breathlessly. ‘Izzy would love it, so would I, actually.’ She senses rather than sees Paul sit up in his chair; she looks at Eve instead, conscious she is accepting the offer without discussing it with him first.

‘Astonishingly generous.’ Martin smiles at Eve. ‘Charley and Blake would never forgive us if we didn’t accept.’ Then he glances at Grace. ‘We’ll need to work it out, of course.’

‘You go. I can’t, obviously.’ Grace’s voice is very even. ‘I have to book time off months in advance.’

‘I’ve a ridiculous number of air miles saved up,’ Eve puts in swiftly. ‘I’ll help with plane tickets.’

‘It all sounds too good to be true.’ Martin turns to Eve, grinning ruefully. ‘I confess I’ve been seduced by the thought of writing under those olive trees.’

Melissa dares a glance at Paul; his face is bland, which means he’s thinking fast. He’s seen Izzy with her friends; if he wants her with him on holiday, he’ll have realized he’ll have to share.

‘If you’ll let me contribute, we’d be delighted to accept.’ Despite the slight slurring, he sounds sincere.

‘Okay, thanks.’ Eric nods.

‘We just have to persuade Grace now.’ Eve’s eyes shine as if in triumph.

Melissa glances at Grace but she is staring down the garden again. If she feels unhappy, she’s hiding it, but then it’s easy to hide your feelings, she does it herself all the time. Perhaps Grace is wondering where her children are. The dancing figures have disappeared. The bonfire has almost gone out; a little breeze has got up. Eric walks round the table to stand behind Eve; his hand is on his wife’s shoulder but he’s looking at Grace. ‘You should come if you can. Is it too late to swap holidays at work?’

‘Oh yes, please try.’ Eve leans forward. ‘You’d enjoy it so much.’