The finger buffet had just been served. Shunty-Mae had instructed Imelda not to partake. ‘Why would you want to eat anything that everyone has been fingering?’ she asked in a disgusted tone. ‘You’ll catch something terrible. And then don’t expect any sympathy from me when you’re retching your entrails up for days on end afterwards.’ Imelda nibbled on a couple of vol-au-vents as she listened to Jeanie singing ‘White Christmas’, accompanied by a young man playing the piano. It was hardly surprising that she had been hired by Marty after the talent show, and she had told Imelda that she couldn’t wait to hand in her notice at the secretarial college. Imelda couldn’t help hoping that when she did, her friendship with Vivienne might fade, but sadly her cards had given no indication that it would.

‘So, have you decided yet whether you’ll be joining us for the new season?’

Ruby had just made a swift escape from Marty and was selecting a sandwich with seemingly little enthusiasm.

‘I’m still thinking about it. But this evening’s gone well. You’ve done a wonderful job with the party. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. Except, perhaps, you,’ she added, noting Ruby’s preoccupied manner.

Ruby smiled. ‘I’m fine. I’m just feeling a bit guilty about my little boy, Treasure. I’ve been so busy here that I haven’t been at home much lately, and with Christmas coming . . .’ She shrugged as her words tailed off. ‘He’s probably fine – sitting watching TV with his dad, who will have let him stay up much later than he’s usually allowed.’

Marty had found Ruby again and sidled up beside her, slipping his hand onto the small of her back and then sliding it lower. He dangled the mistletoe over her head and lunged his face towards hers, planting a wet kiss on her lips before she had a chance to turn away. If Imelda had had a drink in her hand, she would have tipped it over him, but instead she took Ruby by the arm saying that she needed to speak to her in private.

‘We staff mustn’t monopolise your time, Mr Mount,’ she told him pointedly. ‘I’m sure our paying guests are much more deserving of your attention.’