I’d never seen a more lavish or appetising feast than the one which lined the entire wall of the ballroom. But I suppose it’s only appetising if you actually have an appetite.

There were gasps from around the room and people were just wandering around saying “oh my god” and “wow” over and over again. They looked dazed and overwhelmed by the sight of so much food.

We’d asked them to come hungry and although Janice had been bragging to anyone who would listen, I think most people were taken aback by the scale of what we had laid on for them.

There was smoked salmon, oysters and langoustines flown in from the west of Scotland that morning and piled high on silver platters. We had hams imported from Spain and truffles from Italy. Young men in white aprons stood to attention over succulent ribs of Argentinian beef. It was a global buffet of the most luxurious foods known to man. A table of excess!

I should have been famished. I’d not eaten since morning but as I watched the hordes descend, not only did I not feel hungry, I felt sick. All I could think about was what it was costing. “Money is no object for my only daughter on her wedding day,” I crowed when we started to plan this extravagance. I said this knowing I’d have no way to pay for it. Thirty thousand pounds! For a wedding.

I had left myself with no choice. I’d been swept along on a wave of wedding enthusiasm and as the costs mounted I waved them away. I knew I’d make it happen.

I also knew I’d get caught. I know that when they go to work today they will realise the money is missing and in a matter of hours they will have traced it to me. I should enjoy my freedom while I can. I should make the most of this - the last meal of a condemned man.