‘Can goddesses get in the way of planning permission in the modern era?’ asked Dora.

‘Well, this is Greece,’ Nell replied, laughing. ‘They still take their gods and goddesses very seriously.’

‘Odd, given that it’s a Catholic country,’ commented Penny. ‘Well, Greek Orthodox anyway.’

‘We need Moira to put us straight,’ Nell said. ‘Do you know, I’m beginning to rather miss her.’

Dora looked appalled.

‘Anyway, what were you up to?’ Nell asked her.

‘Well,’ Dora admitted, ‘I was just glancing into his house. It’s very ramshackle. He obviously doesn’t live there.’

‘Of course he doesn’t,’ Nell said. ‘He’s staying here, isn’t he?’

‘I’d forgotten that. What’s all this, then?’ She indicated the notebook. ‘Late spring resolutions? Is that wine in the bottle?’

‘No,’ snapped Nell, ‘surgical spirit! Why don’t you have some?’

‘What’s eating you?’

Nell thought for a moment and wondered if she should tell the truth. Why the hell not? Though Dora, committedly single, would probably think she was certifiably bonkers.

‘OK . . . I just looked at my phone. Look.’ She handed the phone to Dora, who passed it to Penny.

‘It’s a baby’s birthday party.’ Dora shrugged.

‘Yes,’ nodded Nell. ‘My granddaughter Naomi’s first, as a matter of fact. I think my invitation must have got lost in the post. OK, girls; the honest truth is, I have a serious case of The Other Granny Syndrome. In this case, perfect Marigold. My daughter prefers her company to mine.’

‘I’m sure she doesn’t,’ attempted Penny, picking up how deeply hurt Nell sounded.

‘She certainly does. Marigold who buys baby clothes from Gucci and gives her stuff from Baby Einstein.’

‘You’re kidding me,’ Dora objected. ‘There’s no such thing!’

‘There bloody well is,’ insisted Nell, warming to her theme. ‘And baby massage, and baby yoga. Marigold takes her to the lot.’

‘Thank God I haven’t got children! But isn’t it great that this Marigold does it all? No granny duties for you. You’re free to travel, go away for weekends. No ghastly standing at the school gates in the depths of winter. Brilliant.’

‘Except that I want to,’ Nell confessed. ‘I really, really, really want to.’

‘And what happens if you offer?’ Penny asked gently.

‘She never says no,’ Nell replied, her voice fraying at the edges. ‘There’s just always some reason why it falls through. And then I go on Instagram and there’s Naomi with bloody Marigold! In her bloody swimming pool, or wearing some expensive clobber Marigold has bought her.’

‘Oh, Nell, what a drag for you.’ Penny instantly understood. ‘The woman sounds really insensitive.’

‘Anyway, look, it’s quite a big deal for me to admit it,’ Nell shrugged. ‘Let’s have a drink and get to work on that notebook.’