Della stares at him. ‘Julian does. Actually, you may have met him, Elise. A year ago – at our summer party. Why?’

As she says this, pieces start falling into place. I remember drinking too much wine to numb the stultifying boredom of another village social gathering, drifting away from everyone else to pour another glass.

I shrug. ‘I don’t remember seeing him around before, that’s all. What does he do?’ My voice is purposefully casual.

Della frowns. ‘He works for some software company. Don’t ask me for details – you know what I’m like with anything technical. But he’s done well out of it. It’s made him quite a wealthy man.’

I’m silent as I study him, wondering if it’s him who’s blackmailing James. But if that were the case, surely Mason wouldn’t show his face here?

I feel myself shiver as Stephanie’s voice comes from behind me. ‘Are you joining us at the pub, Elise?’

Turning, I realise what today is taking from her; that however united she and James may appear, the truth of what she’s going through is in the desperation flickering in her eyes. ‘I’m sorry,’ I hedge, floundering around for a believable excuse. ‘I won’t be able to. To be honest, I don’t want to leave Niamh alone.’

‘Niamh is welcome, too.’ It’s a mixed message. She wants me close – but not too close. I know too much.

‘Thank you. But I think I’ll take her home. It’s a difficult day for her, as it is for everyone – especially you and James …’

Stephanie’s eyes fill with tears. ‘Thank you for coming.’

‘Your flowers were beautiful,’ I say quietly. ‘I’ll come over to the salon in the next few days, if you’ll be there?’

As she starts, I realise she’s worried I’m giving away what she told me in confidence. ‘I’ll be there. I’m hardly going to be anywhere else.’ Her voice is overly bright.

I know the lie is for Della’s benefit, as well as for anyone else who might be eavesdropping, and as her eyes catch mine, I again see the depth of her desperation.

‘I should go and find James,’ she mutters, already turning to walk away.

There’s a strange atmosphere as Della and I stand there, but I’m not prepared for what happens next. Over everyone’s heads, I glimpse Andrew in what appears to be an amicable enough conversation with Phil Mason across the churchyard. I then notice James watching them. Shaking hands with Mason, Andrew turns and walks away just as Stephanie reaches James’s side. He takes her hand as he glares at Andrew, the look in his eyes one of pure hatred.