After passing through several villages, they began to see signs for Gretna Green. Olivia had booked them into Maxie and Hazel’s hotel, opposite the blacksmith’s cottage where the ceremony was taking place. They’d look around the village later. There was something important to do first.

Outside Maxie’s room, Olivia waited to one side as Eliza knocked.

It was a prize-winning performance. Maxie stepped back, astonished. She laughed. She put her hands to her face, then pulled Eliza into a hug. She asked if she was dreaming, if she was seeing things. Then she burst into tears. For real, Olivia felt sure.

They spent the next hour in the sleek living area of Maxie’s suite, talking, laughing. Maxie kept spontaneously hugging Eliza. ‘This was already one of the best times of my life. Now it is the best. Oh, I can’t wait for Hazel to meet you. I can’t believe Olivia kept it secret from me.’

Hazel wasn’t arriving until early afternoon. At Maxie’s suggestion, they went across to the blacksmith’s cottage complex to watch other weddings unfolding. It was like a marriage theme park, so many wedding parties strolling around, some brides in full white regalia, others more casually dressed. There were photographers everywhere. Olivia noticed Maxie put on her sunglasses, even though the sky was cloudy.

Still, she was recognised once, as they stood in front of the information panels lining the walkway to a café and gift shop. She’d taken off her glasses to read it. An English couple in their forties approached. The woman spoke first. ‘Excuse me, are you that actress?’

‘On that crime show?’ the man added. ‘Maxine Hill, her name is.’

Maxie answered in a strong American accent. ‘I keep being told I’m her double. I must watch that show myself. Is she any good?’

‘She’s brilliant. Terrifying.’

‘You should register with one of those look-alike agencies. You’re the spit of her.’

‘Awesome idea, thanks!’ she said.

After they left, Olivia turned to Eliza, rolling her eyes. ‘Last time this happened, she started speaking Spanish. And Maxie doesn’t speak a word of Spanish.’

‘I thought celebrities all hide under baseball caps,’ Eliza said.

‘I’m a bride-to-be,’ Maxie said. ‘I don’t want to spoil my hair.’

Hazel arrived in time for a late lunch. Within minutes of the four of them sitting down in a corner of the hotel restaurant, Eliza could see how happy Maxie and Hazel were. They were so interested in one another. Affectionate, loving. She instantly liked Hazel too. She had an open, smiling face, long blonde hair. There was something calm about her. Amused.

She was very welcoming to Eliza. ‘Maxie talks about you all the time. You’ve made her wedding day, I know.’

‘Nearly as much as you, Hazel,’ Maxie said, overhearing.