Laure was tempted to reply that she had thought the communist doctrine rested on the absolute principle that no one should enjoy privilege over anyone else. Her scepticism must have registered with Bob who added: ‘How do you think we got on this jolly?’

The food was totally out of whack for such a hot day. Thick meaty soup, a goulash, a plum dessert. There were lashings of it and between the main course and the dessert, there were speeches that proceeded with aching slowness because each sentence had to be translated from Czech to English, or vice versa.

At the high table, Eva fanned herself with a copy of the chairman’s speech and slumped back in her chair.

A translator bobbed between Petr and the leader of the railways delegation and looked exhausted. By now, the beer drinking was advanced and it was obvious that most attempts at translation were doomed. Czechs and Brits were letting down what remained of their hair and toasting each other witless.

Eva’s head fell forward onto her chest, and Laure, who had kept an eye on her, leapt to her feet. Petr got there first and slid his arm around his wife. Eva’s breath rattled in her chest and she slurred her words. Petr shook her gently. ‘Eva, I’m here. We’ll sort you out.’ He beckoned to one of the party men and issued a command in Czech. The man picked his way through the sozzled guests and left the hall.

‘He’s getting the car,’ said Petr. ‘Listen, can you take her home for me? I have to stay on here for a while.’ He must have sensed Laure’s alarm. ‘She will be fine. She just needs to sleep.’

Laure was conscious of being the centre of attention. ‘And the children?’

‘Leave them with me.’

It flashed across Laure’s mind that this wasn’t her job. Nor did she know how to deal with the collapsed Eva. What did one do? Then, she caught sight of Petr’s expression which was one of extreme distress. Pity won – plus, she knew she could cope. Taking a deep breath, she said, ‘OK. Shall I put her to bed?’

‘Thank you.’ Petr dabbed at Eva’s sweaty top lip with his handkerchief. ‘If you knew how grateful…’ At her table, Maria waved a pennant in their direction. Petr looked over to his daughter. ‘She’s so much happier since you came.’ He then murmured, ‘I think you are the good fairy to this family.’

Laure helped to restrain Eva against the chair. ‘Has Mrs Kobes been drinking?’

‘She’s had a little. It never agrees with her.’

‘Oh.’ Things were more complicated than Laure imagined.

In a low tone, Petr said, ‘She’ll be upset by this, so we won’t mention it again?’