“If he and Jimmy get their stories straight before the police arrive, it would be a jolly good thing,” Fen said, with breathtaking disregard for the rule of law. “And I’ll tell you something else, too. It’s nonsense to say Haworth ended my engagement. You did that.”

“I?” Pat said, appalled.

Fen’s arm tightened. “Of course you did. Not in an underhand way, I don’t mean that. You were bending over backwards to be fair to him. But really, if you go around teaching me to shoot and taking me seriously and listening to me and having such wonderful eyes—”

“I don’t have wonderful eyes.”

“Of course you do. So kind and hazel.” Fen’s unquestionably wonderful eyes were locked on Pat’s with undoubted sincerity. “I know we’ve only known each other three days—although another way to put it is that we’ve known each other for the length of this house party, which has been going on forever. But the fact is, when I compared the way you talk to me, and listen to me, and kiss me, with the way Jimmy or any other fiancé ever did any of those things, there’s no comparison. None at all. And I couldn’t possibly have married Jimmy once I realised that.” She looked up into Pat’s face with a soft smile that made Pat’s insides twist. “I am absolutely sure that whatever happens, you’ll be able to cope with it, and help the people you love. But everyone is allowed to wobble, so I’m here to remind you just how wonderful you are and give you a shoulder if you need one. We’re going to do our best, together, and your best is All-England Ladies’ Champion. All right?”

“But I’m not wonderful at all,” Pat said. “I’m truly not. I’m desperately ordinary.”

“You’re the least ordinary person I’ve ever met. I’m ordinary, apart from being rich—”

“Nonsense. Absolute rubbish. You’re—” Pat groped for a word. “Outstanding. You’re beautiful and kind and—champagne, everything about you is champagne. Bubbling and delicious and special.”