Anton had worked long and hard to secure her for a part in the film, Posy knew. A way to link the new versions with the originals, and draw in traditional fans who might have otherwise been reluctant. Looking at Rosalind, Posy could see why.

Her white hair was stylishly cropped, pinned back in a way that had hints of vintage style, without looking like a costume. Similarly, her wide linen trousers and white shirt were timeless, her make-up classic. She looked as if she could dress this way every day, while still fitting seamlessly into the vibe of the convention.

Uncle Sol was back with a vengeance. ‘Rosalind King spends her too brief scenes in the movie looking as if she can’t quite believe her agent got her to agree to the part. Neither could I.’

Anton gestured towards Posy. ‘Let me introduce you to the newest addition to your Dahlia club, Posy Starling.’

‘It’s a pleasure to meet you,’ Posy said, her voice sounding strangely rusty.

Rosalind ran her gaze from Posy’s messy blonde bob, down to the hideous tea dress, then back up again.

‘I’d hardly call it a club, Anton,’ she said, dismissing Posy. ‘There’s only two of us, after all.’ Her gaze flickered back to Posy for a second. ‘Well, three soon, I suppose.’

‘And here’s the other member now!’ Marcus clapped his hands with delight. ‘How wonderful, to have all three Dahlias here at our little convention. The fans are going to love it!’

They turned to watch as a vintage motorcycle and sidecar came careening across the gravelled driveway, sweeping to a stop beside them. Swinging her leg over the cycle, the rider pulled off her helmet, revealing a brightly coloured headscarf, with blood-red lipstick to match.

Another face Posy knew instantly, if only from the screen. Caro Hooper – the actress synonymous with Dahlia Lively in a way even Rosalind King couldn’t manage. Rosalind had only played the Lady Detective in three films; Caro had played her in five series of TV adaptations, covering every one of Lettice Davenport’s full-length Dahlia books.

In fact, Posy wasn’t sure Caro had ever played anybody else. She was Dahlia.

‘One wonders that director Anton Martinez didn’t manage to shoehorn Caro Hooper in there somewhere, too. Or perhaps he could have asked her to reprise her role as Dahlia instead of Miss Starling. It could only have improved matters.’

‘Oh, isn’t this marvellous?’ Caro unpinned the scarf from her hair, shaking out the curls beneath. With her tweed jacket, plain shirt and navy sailor trousers, she looked exactly the way she did on screen, playing Dahlia. ‘All us Dahlia lovers together. Marcus! Always a delight.’ She grabbed his upper arms and placed a firm kiss to his cheek. ‘And Rosalind, of course.’

No kiss there, Posy noticed.

Marcus took on responsibility for the introductions, and Caro had a comment for everyone.