She picks up her wine glass, looking about, pretending she’s enjoying herself, but all the while her mind is busy trying to work out the logistics of Cosmo’s dash to London. How he managed to organize Al to cover him, then to drive to Totnes to catch the train, without finding the time to send her a text to say he was going. He hasn’t answered her later texts and she’s wondering how he’s going to explain that when he gets back. A tiny thought wriggles into her mind. Suppose he isn’t coming back? After all, Al is here. She turns quickly in her chair, half wondering whether she should ask Al the question, but when she looks across the bar she sees that his table is empty. Al has gone.

Judith finishes her champagne and wishes that it was time to go home. The noise is too much for her, the silly banter irritates her, but she continues to keep a smile pinned to her lips and to nod and seem interested when required. To distract herself she thinks about her Oxford plan, about some of the houses she has seen, and how good it will be to live closer to the little family and to be a part of their lives. With Christopher divorced and in Dubai it seems unlikely that he will be contributing much companionship for a while.

She’s promised Max that they won’t confront Cara with this proposition until Sam has gone home. Max is clearly anxious about Cara’s reaction and wants to pick his moment, but Judith thinks he’s overreacting as usual and that Cara will be prevailed upon to see how well it could work for all of them. Judith looks across the table at Cara, who is deep in conversation with Jack. They certainly seem to be getting on very well, though Judith can’t quite understand what Cara sees in him. At least it’s another positive reason for her to stay here in Salcombe. She’s also becoming very friendly with the Chadwicks so it’s really not necessary for Max to be so concerned about his sister. Judith feels the long-familiar stab of irritation. Of course, he’s always been ridiculously protective about Cara – and clearly this is a very difficult time for her – but life goes on and Cara must learn to go with it.

Judith sits back to allow the waiter to put her plate in front of her. Her thoughts stray back to Oxford, her spirits rise, and she begins to eat.