This was what she’d come to Aldermere for, Posy reminded herself, as the nerves threatened to overcome her. To win over the many, many people who loved the Lettice Davenport books so much that the characters came alive for them, and the world felt real. Those people who wanted to be transported back to a simpler time, to experience danger and death from the safety of their own armchair, between the pages of a well-loved book. The people who dreamt of having the comebacks and insight of Dahlia, or the steadfast skills of Johnnie. Not to mention the wardrobes.

It was all about the fans.

And this was her best chance to convince them that Dahlia was safe in her hands.

‘Welcome, everyone!’ Marcus took the stage beside them, still dressed in his butler outfit. ‘Welcome, to what must be the highlight of today’s events!’

There was a half-hearted cheer at that. Posy shared a look with Kit. There was a long way to go with this lot.

‘So much of this weekend is about appreciating the past,’ Marcus mused aloud to the audience. ‘About celebrating the world that Lettice Davenport lived in, as well as the one she created for us. But the joy of the Dahlia Lively mysteries, of the Lady Detective herself perhaps, is that they are timeless. Each generation discovers them anew and wonders at their cleverness, their ingenuity – and, of course, their inimitable style. And now, as we stride into the twenty-first century, almost a hundred years after Lettice started writing, it is time for a whole new generation of fans to discover the magic. And today, I am delighted to introduce you to the people working so hard to make that happen. Anton Martinez, our illustrious director!’

Anton stood and gave a little bow, earning himself a bigger cheer.

‘Libby McKinley, one of the writers transforming Dahlia’s adventures for the big screen!’ Libby gave an uncertain little wave but didn’t stand – probably because of the coffee stains on her skirt – and received a smattering of applause.

‘Next up, our very own Detective Inspector Johnnie – Kit Lewis!’ Kit stood, beaming, arms outstretched to welcome the much louder cheer that accompanied his introduction. After all, he was a household name, a rising star, someone everyone wanted to see more of.

Posy held her breath as she waited to hear her name.

She wasn’t a rising anything, and there was a good chance that Uncle Sol had been right all those years ago, and people were tired of her already. It’s always sad to see a star past her prime trying to relive her glory days, and Posy Starling in The Lady Detective only proves that her best days were over before she finished puberty.

‘And finally, Dahlia Lively herself – Posy Starling!’