Scrap that, it was horrendous.

'No broomsticks?!'

'No broomsticks. We shall hire a car.'

Constance was scandalised.

'Remember when you had to pose as a normal person on a field trip? Like that.'

Imogen shuddered. That experiment was not to be repeated.

'Can we not?' She asked firmly. 'I can't handle a repeat of the maiden aunt routine. You caused enough havoc as it was with Serge and the bus driver and the lodgings…'

'Well you can't blame the snow on me. That was the student's doing. And nothing about those people were normal.'

'Ladies, please, let us just get in the car and act like tourists please' Amelia clucked as she corralled them to the approaching vehicle. It was huge, a polished beast that could fit a circus in. Miss Bat squeaked with delight as the chauffeur opened the door for them and took their luggage. At least the car was black, approved Constance. A wholly respectable colour. It purred along the roads silently and smoothly like a cat, a most impressive feat. Even Constance couldn't fault it and it was most comfortable.

The spa looked magnificent, gleaming pristine, enamelled in tasteful calm shades of champagne and rose gold. The towels were a deep teal that complimented the décor. The dressing gowns and slippers were fluffy and magnolia and the drinks were made with locally sourced nutrient rich ingredients, a froth of concoctions. Lavinia chose a deep stone massage and disappeared to the treatment rooms first. She was going to make the most of it. Amelia had booked the slot after her and was flipping through some magazines.

'Extraordinary' Constance heard her mutter. 'Look at this. A toaster.'

Constance looked. She didn't like the way toast popped up from the contraption. What was wrong with toasting forks?

'Hmmmm.'

The swirly music was getting on her nerves. She could hear the murmuring of other women as they relaxed in the treatment rooms and beyond by the pool. She cautiously reached for the brochure. She could get her feet tended to by little fish. She could read a book at least while they were doing it.

'No no madame, please stop eating the seaweed!'

They looked up as a harassed looking beautician appeared at the door and gestured for more materials.

'Davina' called out her boss 'please lay off the beauty supplies.'

Constance harrumphed. The things that Miss Bat would nibble on would qualify her to be a cow.

Amelia flashed a grin. 'Sorry about that. She's a committed vegetarian.'

Constance harrumphed again but with a slight catch in her voice. The way that Miss Cackle would cover up for her colleagues in front of the ordinaries was genius and dare she admit it, rather amusing at times. The other woman kept grinning, knowing she'd hit her mark. It was a rare skill. Constance looked away to hide a slight smile.

'Seaweed massage for you, madame?'

Constance's smile vanished. She got up hurriedly.

'I think I will go for a swim.'

'Very good' said Miss Cackle.