In my enthusiasm to share my expert knowledge of sanitary products with my former classmates, I forgot to pack a dress for the school reunion.

Our hostess JB came up with a solution for my dress dilemma: to raid her teenage daughter’s wardrobe on my behalf. I followed her to the bedroom where all the clothes that this child had ever worn were crammed into cupboards and drawers. I certainly wouldn’t fit into the toddler garb, but a generous size 10 ballgown might do.

I admired the faded silk arts and crafts rug in the bedroom, as well as the art work on the walls, and the antique furniture, throughout the house. ‘If only I’d married a stockbroker myself, I would also enjoy such luxuries’, I concluded with a touch of regret.