‘Bored! Never let it be said that anyone at a Sinclair party is bored.’ Dominic gave a look of mock horror and filled up her glass. ‘My reputation is on the line here.’

‘You might want to tell your brother that.’ Elizabeth gestured with her head back to Harry. ‘If I was into golf and rugby it wouldn’t be so bad. Please, if you’re going to talk to me about any of those subjects, then you might as well go now.’

Dominic gave a laugh. ‘I would never be so boring.’

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. ‘I only have your word for that.’

‘I’m an honest man. I wouldn’t make claim to such a thing if it wasn’t true. I promise you that.’

‘My mother warned me about men who make promises but don’t deliver.’ Elizabeth finished the glass of champagne and Dominic refilled it without hesitation.

‘Where’s Lisa tonight?’ Elizabeth glanced around the terrace to see if Dominic’s girlfriend was about.

‘Oh, she’s had to go back and check on Saskia. The babysitter messaged over to say that she’d been sick.’

‘You’ve been left to your own devices, then?’ Elizabeth looked up at Dominic. She’d always admired his eyes; although all the brothers had blue eyes, Dominic’s were almost navy. They looked even darker tonight; maybe it was the strobe lighting but they seemed to sparkle and dance as he returned her gaze.

They were interrupted as Owen bundled into them. ‘Sorry,’ he slurred. ‘Oh, it’s you, Dom.’ He refocused his eyes on Elizabeth. ‘And you, Elizabeth.’ He clamped his hand down on Dominic’s shoulder. ‘I have to say, this is a bloody good party.’

‘I’m glad you’re enjoying it,’ said Dominic. He took the beer bottle from his brother’s hand. ‘I think though maybe you’ve had enough tonight.’

‘Don’t be such a spoilsport,’ said Owen. ‘I’ve only just begun.’

‘I don’t think so.’ Dominic’s tone took on a more serious note. ‘Why don’t you have a black coffee and pace yourself? It’s only ten-thirty. You’re never going to last the night otherwise.’

Owen swayed on his feet a little but managed to stay upright. He took his hand from Dominic’s shoulder and wagged his finger at him. ‘My birthday. I can get as wrecked as I like. You can’t stop me.’

‘Hey, I’m not going to stop you,’ said Dominic. ‘Natalie might though. Here she comes.’

Owen looked over his shoulder at his wife walking towards them. ‘Oh, shit,’ he muttered.

‘Owen. I’ve been looking for you all over the place,’ said Natalie, frowning as she neared, coming to a halt in front of him. ‘You’re really drunk.’ She looked at Dominic. ‘How has he got into this state already?’

‘I was just wondering the same thing.’ Dominic shook his head.