Lucy and open (3pm)
As a number of the guests had replied to say they likely wouldn't be able to arrive at the supposed start of the party, Lucy was taking it easy. She'd managed to get the inflatable boat launched without actually getting her swimming costume wet and she was lounging with her shoulders against the inside of the prow, one hand in the water and eyes closed as she waited to see who would be first to arrive.
The weather wasn't ideal - and through the glass roof of the Mews House, Lucy could see grey clouds massing. It wasn't raining, at least, and nor was it forecast to. At least the pool was covered, and if it did start to rain later they could always have the food inside. There was plenty of room for everyone, even though Lucy had been more generous with the invitations than might be expected.