I found the uncooked dinner on the staircase after KA and I returned from the swamp. I wondered whether the coiled sausage in puff pastry would be enough for us all: me, KA, KS and HT. My mother would know.

I wandered into the kitchen of the White House to ask, and in doing so spoilt my sisters’ surprise. They’d persuaded my brother-in-law RH to come and visit, and I wasn’t supposed to know. As he was now our guest of honour, he was the only one permitted to take a place at the dining table. How would I tell my three friends that there would be no food for them this evening?