‘You’re an excellent hostess,’ said June, not letting go of my arm but instead squeezing it gently. ‘And very stylish.’ She looked me up and down, her eyes settling approvingly on my dress. ‘Marilyn Monroe was buried in green.’

‘Ooh, that’s… interesting,’ I said uncertainly. ‘But thank you, June, and you’re looking really fabulous tonight. I love that dress and those shoes. They really pop.’

She smiled happily. ‘Well, I’ll let you into a little secret. I saw you the other day, walking up the avenue in your smart blue boots and flowery coat, and I thought, “Why do I always wear boring colours, rather than cheerful ones, like Edith?” and so I bought these,’ she added, looking downwards.

Feeling hugely complimented and not a little moved, I bent down to give her a hug. ‘Thank you for noticing. I’m so flattered. That’s a real boost to my self-confidence.’

I straightened up and she let go of my arm, giving it a gentle pat. ‘I’ll let you go and be a hostess,’ she said.

I bade farewell to the group, pretending not to hear Bill’s last-minute offer of a special discount for singles, and worked my way towards the kitchen area, chatting and topping up glasses as I went. After a few minutes, I spotted Nicky, who had now moved on from Giles and was filling her wine glass with water from the tap.

‘There’s fizzy water and white wine in the fridge, you know,’ I said, placing my near-empty bottle on the counter next to her. ‘Or I’m just about to open another red.’

She shook her head sadly. ‘Thanks, but it’s my turn not to have a hangover.’

I patted her shoulder sympathetically. ‘Is Andy taking full advantage of that?’

‘He was, up until about five minutes ago. Not sure where he is or what he’s up to now.’ She scanned the room. ‘You know, I can’t believe how popular these things have become. No offence,’ she added quickly. ‘Of course any party hosted by you and Giles would be popular.’

‘It’s OK, I know what you mean. When Giles first mentioned the avenue wine and cheeses to me, I thought I’d rather stick needles in my eyes.’

‘But they’re actually OK, aren’t they? Certainly never boring.’ She gestured over my shoulder towards Giles, who was now talking to Angela, Patrick’s next-door neighbour and aunt to an alleged crack addict. ‘I love that he’s with Kerry.’

‘Me too.’

‘How about you? Are you interested in anyone right now? Or are you ecstatically single?’

I laughed at the suddenness and bluntness of the question and she bit her lip. ‘God, I’m so nosey, aren’t I? And I haven’t even got the excuse of being drunk. Don’t worry, you don’t have to answer.’