‘And darts. And billiards, I hear.’ Hannah gentled her voice, hoping she sounded encouraging and friendly.

‘Huh. You want to know why? Comes of growing up with four brothers who are utterly brilliant at everything they do. It’s a constant competition and I’m always the loser. Always trying to keep up with them. Ferdy still beats me at darts – he’s the youngest VP ever at some American bank; Johnny got straight As at school and a first at Cambridge; Eddie’s the explorer – he’s conquered Everest, Mont Blanc, and been to the South and North poles, and Barty was head boy at Harrow and is now training to be a QC. I’m the youngest. All I can do is cook. That’s why I came on the course, to learn how to be the best.’

Hannah’s mouth twitched as she remembered what Conor had told her.

‘What’s so funny?’

‘Nothing. I was complaining to Conor that I was bottom of the class and he said it wasn’t a competition. I hate being rubbish. I do understand, a little. At work I’m always the best; it’s not nice feeling that you’re useless compared to other people.’

‘It’s not very nice boasting when you are good either,’ said Fliss with a hiccough-sob as if she was going to start crying again. ‘I can’t help it. It’s the first time I’ve ever been one of the best and Jason’s so cocky and he’s naturally good. He reminds me of my brothers; it all comes so easily to him and then he treats me like they do. I had a rubbish call with my mum at the weekend and I just couldn’t brush it off this morning. So I had to get back at him.’

‘I don’t think Jason is quite as confident as he makes out, you know. I think this is a long way out of his comfort zone.’

‘What makes you say that?’

‘I recognise the signs.’ Hannah’s rueful grimace made Fliss frown.

‘You? But you seem so together, even when you’re having a disaster. It doesn’t seem to bother you. I didn’t think you cared that much. In fact, I wondered why you were here… unless it’s for Conor.’

‘Pardon?’

‘He’s the big attraction. Especially in the cooking world. You know Adrienne married into the family. Bridget was a famous cook and Adrienne married the son and established this place.’

Hannah nodded.

‘Well, lots of wannabe chefs think that snagging Conor is the fast track to success. You must have heard of Polly Daventree – she’s got a TV cookery show and three cookery books coming out...’ Her mouth turned down. ‘Shame he’s too old. That would have made the family sit up and take notice.’