‘No problem. I’ll find someone else to fish her out.’ He was about to move off when he asked, ‘Are you all right yourself, Evie? I haven’t seen you for ages.’ His expression was sad.

Evie felt her stomach flip. Why did he always have this effect on her?

‘I’m fine. I didn’t spill the drink deliberately. I caught her foot and tripped.’

‘You mean she put her foot out and tripped you.’

‘Surely not! No. I can’t believe she did that.’ She hesitated. ‘I didn’t intend to spill my drink all over her, but I can’t say I’m unhappy that it happened. Veronica was about to do it again. To Mary Helston. Mary was with an RAF officer and they seemed awfully happy talking to each other. Then Veronica came along and… well… you can imagine.’

He closed his eyes for a moment. ‘Yes. You can spare me the details.’ He gave her one of his sad-eyed smiles. ‘Thank you, Evie.’ He touched her arm and a shiver of electricity ran through her.

‘I’d better see if Mary’s RAF officer has found her again.’

‘Maybe I’ll see you later?’ Then he was gone.

Evie was relieved to see Frank and Mary standing together in the shade of a tree talking intently. There was no mistaking it, the officer was keen on her and, as far as Evie could tell, Mary seemed to like his company too. Rather than butt in on their conversation, she went to join Douglas.

As she was walking across the lawn, a commotion began behind her. Evie looked round and saw Veronica running over the grass towards her, pushing people out of her way as she went. Indignant voices and spilled drinks marked her rapid progress over the club grounds. When she was in front of Evie, she pulled up, pointing her finger.

‘You did it on purpose. You poured a drink over me. You’re jealous because you’re like a great big whale and your husband can’t stand the sight of you.’ She stood right in front of Evie, her face contorted, her eyes bloodshot, with dirty smudges of mascara underneath them. ‘You’re trying to steal my husband. Well, you can’t have him. So get lost. Go back to England. No one wants you here. Not even your husband. Once you’ve popped that baby out he’ll be going straight back to his little housekeeper.’ Angry tears rolled down Veronica’s face.

Evie stared at her in abject horror. How did she know about Doug’s affair with his housekeeper? Had she been wrong to trust Arthur?

Doug appeared at Evie’s side. This provoked more anger from Veronica.

She spun round to face him. ‘Yes. I know all about your sordid little affair. I stopped by Arthur’s office and overheard you telling him. So don’t even try to deny it, Doug.’

All around them, people were watching in silent disbelief. This kind of display never happened at the august Penang Club. If the crowd had expected an upset that afternoon it would have been from the Camerons, but the two of them, like everyone else were staring in astonishment at Veronica, Doug and Evie.