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‘That was us. You must be a guest in the house? We often swim off there. Arlo lets us have picnics in the summer. You should join us next time.’

Wanda squeaked in horror. ‘Oh, I couldn’t!’

‘Why not? Can you swim?’

‘I – well, yes, I used to really enjoy swimming until a few years ago.’

‘Why did you stop?’ Erin asked.

‘I don’t know.’

Katie had a good idea why her aunt had stopped going to the pool. Wanda had confessed to Katie’s mum that she’d lost her body confidence while she was going through the menopause. She’d said she ‘felt like a beached whale’ which Uncle Ian had told her was ridiculous. Her aunt, who walked and gardened every day in all weathers, was the same dress size as Katie – not that it mattered what size she was.

‘Mum said you were captain of the school swimming team,’ Katie threw into the mix in a desperate attempt to boost her aunt’s confidence.

‘When I was fifteen,’ Wanda protested.

‘Once a water baby, always a water baby. You’re very welcome to join us while you’re staying at the Island House.’

‘But – but the water looks freezing, and I don’t have my swimsuit.’

‘Well, I can’t claim that Derwentwater is the Caribbean but you can wear a wetsuit, and I promise, all you have to do is float around for a few minutes to get the benefits. That’s all some of our members do. It’s mainly about the buzz of being in the natural environment and all those endorphins when you’ve braved the cold.’

‘Plus the cake afterwards, Erin. Don’t forget that.’ The white-haired woman next to her spoke with a Dutch accent.

‘That’s probably the main reason most of us do it.’

Wanda shook her head. ‘I – I wouldn’t like to butt in. I’m only here for two weeks.’

‘You wouldn’t be. Everyone is welcome. We have a vicar, a biker, a DJ and a lady who runs a Thai restaurant. That’s what’s great: the mix of people who join us. We’re dipping on Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve from the island. You know where we are. Just turn up and wade in.’

‘Thank you,’ Wanda said but moved away from the stall as if she’d been invited to a scorpion-tasting party. ‘Where are Athene and Jess?’ she asked Katie.

‘Athene went to make a call. I don’t know where Jess is. Do you mind waiting here? I’ll pop down to the lake.’

Katie scooted off, aware that Arlo and Greg were still waiting and that Jess and Athene were already ten minutes overdue. She knew which direction Athene had gone in so she jogged towards the lake to round her up, hoping to spot Jess on the way.

A thought occurred to her and she made a very quick detour into one of the outdoor stores en route and saw Athene hurrying past on her way out.

‘Athene!’ she called as loudly as she dared and Athene turned around.

Katie was shocked. Athene’s eyes were suspiciously bright and she wiped her hand over her face.

‘Are you OK? What’s the matter?’

‘Oh, nothing. I’m fine.’

‘You seem upset. Athene, please tell me.’

‘It’s – I’m being silly. In fact, I’ve been very silly for far too long. I can’t tell you now. Not out here and I – I need time to process it myself. Can we wait until later?’

‘Yes, of course, but is everyone all right? Your sisters? Your mum and dad?’

‘They’re all fine. Everyone is, as far as I know. It’s not that. Please.’ Her tone was pleading. ‘I promise I’ll tell you later when we’re alone. The last thing I want is the others knowing I’m upset.’

Katie hugged her. ‘Of course. I won’t say a word.’

Athene lifted her chin. ‘Thanks.’