Evie said nothing, waiting to find out why Veronica was here.

‘The old crow in there said you’d taken the child to school this morning.’ She gestured towards the house. ‘What on earth possessed you?’ She took a silver case from her handbag, snapped it open, removed a cigarette from under the retaining bar, screwed it into her lacquer holder but didn’t light it.

‘I wanted to be with Jasmine on her first day. It’s daunting starting a new school.’

Veronica’s expression was disbelief. ‘She’s a child, Evie. That’s what they do. Go to school. You shouldn’t be doing anything so tedious as that. It’s what the servants are for.’

‘But I’m Jasmine’s step-mother–’

‘Exactly! You’re not even her own mother.’ She leaned forward. ‘My advice, darling – don’t try too hard. You don’t want to seem desperate. Kids sense these things and take advantage. God! Children are so boring. Much better to keep the girl at arm’s length. When she’s older and ready to enter society it might actually become more interesting. You know, helping her choose clothes. Dishing out the advice.’ She paused. ‘But I am Jasmine’s godmother, so I’m probably better placed to do all that.’ Her mouth formed a smile that could only be intended to patronise.

Evie was saved from delivering a response by the arrival of Aunty Mimi bearing a tray. Once the drinks were served, Evie asked, ‘What brings you here this morning? You must have lots more interesting things to do.’

Veronica acknowledged the evident sarcasm with a half smile. ‘I wanted to see how you’re doing, darling. Check you’re all right. You left early last night. And old Dougie was a few sheets in the wind. Arthur had to take him for a swim to sober him up.’

Evie sipped her coffee, holding back from a reply.

Undaunted, Veronica pressed on. ‘Aunty Mimi tells me he headed back to the estate before dawn this morning.’ Her eyes widened in feigned concern as she stretched a hand out and touched Evie’s arm lightly. ‘I do hope everything’s all right between you?’

‘Perfectly fine.’ She tried to inject an airy nonchalance into her voice. ‘Why would it not be?’

Veronica pursed her lips. ‘It’s not exactly the way one expects the groom to behave on his wedding night. You must be dreadfully disappointed.’ She leaned back in her chair. ‘Or… perhaps… you and he have come to an arrangement? How do I put it delicately…un mariage de convenance. The French are so good at this kind of thing – they have a term for everything in matters of the heart – or possibly in your case – of the head.’

‘I’ve no idea what you’re implying, but as I’ve told you once before, what happens between me and my husband is our affair only.’ Evie realised her voice sounded prim, tight, high-pitched. She took a big gulp of air and dug her fingernails into her palms.

‘No need to get all stroppy, darling. I only wanted you to know that I’m here to help – if things get too much you can confide in me. Arthur and I are Dougie’s oldest friends out here. We understand all his… his foibles.’