"I also had a very fat aunt who stank of wee,"she said. This was only partly true. Her aunt hadn't been very fat. "It was worse when she sat by the fire."

At this they all burst out laughing again, Alison included.

Unable to contain herself any longer, Heather grabbed Alison's arm. "What did you say?"she demanded.

This time Alison did stop to interpret and Heather laughed as well. The old man with the fat aunt lifted his hand to the barman and ordered more drinks. When ...