‘There are so many people here,’ said Evie, changing the subject. ‘Do you know the Camerons well?’

‘Unfortunately, yes.’ Dorothy gave her a wink.

‘I’ve only met them a couple of times but Jasmine plays with their daughter, Penny.’

‘I suppose you know Rowena and Bertie are daggers drawn?’

‘I had heard something on those lines.’

‘God knows why they’re throwing a party to celebrate their marriage. They’d be better off holding a wake.’ Dorothy rolled her eyes. ‘I shouldn’t gossip but some of these people deserve all they get.’ She looked at Evie with concern. ‘But you must be exhausted standing around like that, Evie, when you’re carrying a baby. Let’s go inside and find somewhere quiet to sit down and have a natter.’

‘Dorothy, you’re a mind reader. And it had better be somewhere near the ladies’ room. I have to go rather frequently.’

‘You don’t need to remind me. I had five of the little blighters. I spent my life running for the lavatory. But you’ll soon see it was all worth it.’

They started to move towards the building, passing a few yards away from Mary Helston, who was still in deep conversation with the uniformed man. Evie waved at her friend but didn’t interrupt, pleased that she was evidently having a pleasant time and enjoying the company of the stranger.

Inside, she and Dorothy found a spot with some chairs, secluded behind a line of tall potted ferns, where there was a through draught from the lawns to the open front doors. An enormous ceiling fan was whirling and added to the cooling effect. Seated, they carried on chatting. A waiter brought them drinks – an orange juice for Evie.

Evie thanked Dorothy for recommending the swimming club. ‘It’s my special treat. I try to swim most days.’

‘Lucky girl. When I had my first two we were in the middle of nowhere with no swimming pool within driving distance. I used to fill the bathtub with cold water and sit in it for ages.’ She laughed. ‘Fortunately, when I was expecting my third we were in Singapore and the swimming club there was a godsend.’

‘Here you are! I wondered where you were heading off to.’ Mary Helston emerged from behind the ferns. ‘A nice quiet spot. Away from the throng. Very wise.’ She glanced towards the RAF man who was still accompanying her. ‘May I introduce Frank Hyde-Underwood. You must know his brother Reggie, who works for Mr Barrington. Frank, this is my dear friend, Evie Barrington.’

Evie shook the man’s hand and introduced him and Mary to Dorothy Rogers.

Frank Hyde-Underwood looked nothing like his brother. Older, he didn’t share the florid complexion and tendency to chubbiness of Reggie. Tall, of slim build, with a small moustache, he was a good-looking man. He told Evie he was stationed at the airfield at Butterworth.

Frank and Mary sat on the sofa opposite the two women and the four chatted. Frank was clearly enchanted by Mary – although Mary’s own expression gave nothing away. Evie mentally crossed her fingers that perhaps he might penetrate the teacher’s self-protective armour. Mary Helston deserved to have someone to make a fuss of her.