Carrington’s at Christmas: The Complete Collection: Cupcakes at Carrington’s, Me and Mr Carrington, Christmas at Carrington’s, Ice Creams at Carrington’s. Alexandra Brown

misty as I reach over to chink Sam’s glass again. She’s also on her way to tipsyland as she misjudges the distance between us and ends up toasting my arm instead.

      ‘Oops, better slow down.’ We glance at each other and giggle.

      Suddenly, the door to one of the treatment rooms bursts open and Tina appears, clutching a towel to her naked body. Her face is covered in a fluorescent green face mask. She’s huffing like a mini Incredible Hulk revving up for a gigantic hissy fit. Caroline is standing behind her with a look of utter horror on her face. My lips freeze on the glass. Tina struts over towards us and positions herself squarely between the two steamer chairs. She throws a look of disgust at Sam before turning to me. I swallow. Tina opens her mouth, immediately closes it and then hesitates for a moment before opening it again.

      ‘Can you purleease keep the noise down. Your cackling is ruining my treatments. In fact, it’s probably best if you go, Georgina, you’re quite clearly not taking today seriously. And you are supposed to be on duty at the buffet table – that’s what I employed you to do,’ she snaps at Sam.

      ‘Sorry, we didn’t mea—’ But before Sam can finish her sentence, Tina turns and flounces back into the treatment room. Caroline turns to close the door behind her and mouths ‘sorry’ at us before shaking her head. Sam and I exchange furtive glances. ‘Come on. I think we’ve more than outstayed our welcome,’ Sam whispers, as we leg it back to the chill-out room.