‘If there is any way I can be of help,’ Nikos bowed, instantly taking in the nuances of the situation, ‘please do not hesitate to ask me.’

‘I can’t tell you how reassuring that sounds,’ simpered Marigold, subtly turning her entire body to face him. ‘We are here with a small baby and entirely without transport. It goes without saying that we had no idea how remote this place was.’

‘Actually, Marigold,’ Willow attempted to interrupt and was ignored, ‘it did say that this was one of just a few converted boathouses.’

‘Villages usually have village shops,’ replied Marigold dampeningly.

‘Just hand me your list,’ Nikos smiled, this time mainly at Willow, to Marigold’s obvious irritation. ‘And who is this?’ He smiled at baby Naomi.

Here Marigold found herself in a dilemma so obvious that Nell almost laughed out loud. The last thing she wanted to own up to was being a grandmother.

‘Our granddaughter,’ announced Nell, laughing. ‘Marigold and I are the two grannies, though obviously Marigold must have been a child bride.’ She beckoned to Willow. ‘And this is my daughter, Willow.’

‘Welcome to Kyri, and thank you for supporting our newest venture. Your mother and her friends have been magnificent in their efforts on our behalf.’

He looked round for Penny and smiled a slow, sweet, intimate smile which made Marigold bristle with irritation.

‘And where is your husband, Penny?’ she asked in a sugar-coated voice. ‘Colin, isn’t it? Such a successful businessman, I assume he couldn’t take the time off. Will he be joining you soon?’

‘Not for the moment,’ replied Penny, looking her in the eye. ‘Now, we must go. I hope you have everything you need. Anyway, you have my number.’

‘Penelope.’ Nikos caught her arm as she was about to leave, while Marigold raised her perfectly plucked eyebrow. ‘Don’t forget the boat trip. I’ll pick you up from the quay at nine.’

‘I’ll be there,’ Penny replied, brisk as a gym teacher, not wanting to give Marigold any more ammunition for bitchy gossip.

‘Oh my God,’ she whispered to Nell as soon as they left, ‘you weren’t exaggerating! She’s an absolute shocker. I only met her for a moment at home and she seemed okay, but she’s a nightmare when you get to know her!’

‘I’m so glad you think so!’ Nell grinned. ‘She’s ghastly, isn’t she? She had a moment in the Seventies when she was a bit of an It girl, called herself a model, hung around the King’s Road with the smart set. Convinced poor old Ted, though. Old and rich and adores her, even though she treats him like something the cat brought in. They live in the fake Cotswolds with a house full of fake flowers. How the hell she dares to criticize our decorating!’

‘But why does Willow spend so much time with her? I mean, she seems such a sweet girl.’