I had no idea how KOB, my former assistant, had got the money to move into this gothic castle and host this extravagant party.   However, I did know that I had been over-dressed for the afternoon session but was now under-dressed for the evening.  I watched my friend, Y, arrive in a stunning cherry red, full-length gown, dripping with diamonds.  How had I got the formality of the occasion so wrong – and why had I brought my dog as my ‘plus one’?

Outside the window, the Boys’ Brigade band was marching through the graveyard.  I loved a parade and started to enjoy the party.