‘I’ve had an argument with Owen about changing his mind about voting on the sale of North Meadow. He said he wasn’t going to. He said he was going to call my bluff as he didn’t think I had the balls to tell Natalie or his family about his heavy drinking, gambling and sex with the prostitute … I mean, escort, or whatever she was. Anyway, we had a terrible row out on the terrace, one of those hissed rows where you want to shout but you can’t because there are people about. Yeah, one of those. Well, I was so mad that as I marched off I couldn’t help myself … I shouted back to him that he was going to be sorry when his bare arse was splashed all over social media, and I didn’t realise but Natalie was there. She looked all concerned and I was so angry that I actually said to her something like, you’d better ask your husband what he was doing at Kendalton Green Hotel, and while you’re at it get yourself tested for an STD because I don’t think he used a condom.’

Elizabeth buried her face in her hands for a moment, before looking up and flicking her hair back from her face.

‘I can’t believe I said that. Natalie looked mortified. As for Owen, well, he practically launched himself down the steps at me. If it wasn’t for Dominic appearing from nowhere and somehow getting between myself and Owen, I’m not sure what would have happened. Then Harry turned up, demanding to know what was going on. Natalie was crying. Dominic was still bundling Owen out of the way, telling Harry to take me home, like I was some sort of child! And Harry didn’t even stop to question his brother but just dragged me in the other direction!

‘Me and Harry have just had the most awful row. I’ve tried to play it down for Natalie’s sake really. I said me and Owen argued and he called me a gold-digger and I pretended I made that up about Owen sleeping with a prostitute. I’m not sure Harry believes me. I’ve texted Natalie and said as much but she hasn’t replied. The look on Dominic’s face … he glared at me with such hatred … he really despises me. I honestly don’t know why I did it. I really am sorry. It seems I’ve managed to upset the entire Sinclair family.’

She blew out a long breath, looking down at her hands. and then after a moment it was as if she’d had a realisation, and she cocked her head and frowned. Steph continued to watch. She sensed there was more to come from Elizabeth. And she was right.