Although long-divorced, P and G put on a cheery show when they brought their two children to the party. I’d met the little boy before, but was unsure as to the parentage of the girl named Chloë. I wondered whether she was a half sister of the son that P and G shared?

My ponderings over how Chloë fitted into the family were interrupted by J’s rude remark “Oh, an ugly child!” I prayed that nobody heard this dreadful insult. As a distraction I asked the little boy to show me his outstanding school report and tell me all about his sporting achievements.