The ferns parted and Veronica Leighton’s head peered though. ‘Hiding in the corner are you, Evie?’ she said. Her voice was slurred, indicating she’d already had too much to drink. ‘Not that I blame you, in your state. You must be terribly hot having to drag all that bulk around. Are you sure it isn’t twins? You look like a ship in full sail.’ She gave a supercilious laugh.

Frank Hyde-Underwood raised his eyebrows. ‘I think Mrs Barrington looks very elegant.’

‘And who are you?’ Veronica’s voice was arch and flirtatious. ‘How could I have possibly missed such a handsome man? Are you new to Penang? I do so love a man in uniform.’

Before anyone could respond, Veronica had moved around the clump of ferns. When the RAF man rose politely, she slipped onto the sofa between him and Mary Helston. She sat twisted sideways, with her knees touching the airman’s, her back turned on Mary.

Anger rose in Evie. How could Veronica do that? And to Mary of all people. Before she could say anything, Mary was on her feet and, muttering that she had forgotten something, rushed away. Evie hauled herself up to follow her, and saw that Frank was about to do the same, but Veronica had a restraining hold of his arm. As Evie passed her, her foot caught Veronica’s and she slipped, sending the contents of her glass of orange juice over Veronica’s white silk dress.

Evie gasped, ‘Awfully sorry, Veronica, I don’t know how that happened.’

Veronica let out a wail. ‘You clumsy great lump! It’s ruined. My frock is absolutely ruined.’

Dorothy Rogers fished in her handbag and produced a linen handkerchief. ‘Here you are, Veronica. Why don’t we go to the powder room and get some cold water on that. I’m sure we can get most of it off.’

The wailing continued as Dorothy took hold of Veronica’s elbow and marched her away.

Evie turned to Frank. ‘I think I need to make myself scarce. I’d better go and confess what’s happened to Veronica’s husband and maybe you will want to find Mary.’

The man looked grateful. They walked together towards the open French doors. ‘I think I owe you a debt of gratitude for rescuing me, Mrs Barrington.’ He winked at her. ‘What a dreadful woman.’

Arthur was in conversation with a man Evie didn’t know. Uncomfortable about interrupting him, she tried to catch his eye. He looked across and she lifted her hand and beckoned him, hoping that he would be able to extricate himself. A few moments later he was at her side.

‘Are you all right, Evie? What’s the matter?’

‘I’m afraid I had a bit of an accident. I tripped and managed to spill orange juice all over Veronica’s dress. I don’t think she’s too happy and will probably want to go home and change.’

Arthur raised his eyebrows and sighed. ‘I can imagine. Thanks for telling me, Evie. Where is she?’

‘With Dorothy Rogers in the ladies’ room. I’d go and tell her you’re waiting, only I think I’m the last person she’ll want to see.’