Then Eleanora added the final can of petrol to the fire of despondency she had created. ‘And if you’re not good-looking, very old, very young, related to a football star or the managing director of a publishing company, forget it again. If you’re not promotable, you’re not publishable.’

Eleanora seemed faintly surprised that the room didn’t erupt with applause. Dermot was struck dumb, a rare thing for him, and faint whimperings began to emanate from the students.

Laura got to her feet. She couldn’t send them all home with their collective heart in its boots.

‘Well, thank you, Eleanora, that was fascinating. And isn’t it a good thing to hear the very worst-case scenario? Dermot and I know that there’s a lot of talent in this room, and while I don’t think any of you are best friends with a football star, or married to the head of a major publishing house . . .’ She paused. ‘But if you are and you didn’t tell us, we’ll kill you later . . . Dermot and I have seen the immense amount of work and dedication you’re capable of, and I know – am sure –’ she wasn’t at all sure, but she said it anyway, aware that she was sounding rather like an over-enthusiastic headmistress ‘– that Eleanora would agree with us when we say that talent and perseverance are more important than any of the things she mentioned. Cream will rise to the top. Just you lot go and be cream! And meet us in the bar afterwards.’

The applause wasn’t thunderous, but it was there. As her encouraging words sank in they came out of their state of shock and clapped gently.

‘Darling, you’re too soft on them!’ said Eleanora the moment the three of them were alone. ‘Tell it like it is!’

‘Sure, I know every word you said is true –’ Dermot ran his hand through his hair making it even more like a wind-damaged bird’s nest – ‘but they’d have all gone out and cut their throats if Laura hadn’t rescued the situation.’

‘Yes, Laura dear, you have done well! I knew you were the person to run Fenella’s festival. You’ve done a splendid job with this course, too! Now I see why you wanted her on board, Dermot.’

Laura lost her breath suddenly. She’d assumed it was Eleanora who’d suggested she come. She couldn’t work out how she felt about it. She was pleased he thought she’d be useful, of course. It was flattering that he thought so highly of her editing and organisational skills. But did this mean he really didn’t fancy her at all, and just saw her as useful? Was that why he hadn’t wanted to be alone with her? It was a devastating thought.

‘Laura has been a complete star,’ said Dermot. ‘I couldn’t have managed without her by my side.’