‘I’m smitten, and so is she, I’m certain. But before you tell me, I know it can’t work because I’m a married man. But I’m in trouble, Adrian.’ Robert smoothed his hand over his forehead. ‘I have a wife. In name at least.’

‘Finally, we can now discuss that bloody dead marriage of yours! Because you’ve brought it up, your feelings must be very genuine indeed.’

‘They are. I don’t want to hurt Vanessa.’

‘You could have an affair with her. Would she go for that?’ Adrian raised a blond eyebrow.

‘I’ve no doubt she would. She wants to be with me.’

‘So go ahead, enjoy each other whilst you can.’

Robert shook his head. ‘I cannot. I don’t want a quick affair with Vanessa. I want more. Something is different.’

‘I wish I could think of a way to murder that bloody wife of yours—’

‘Don’t be so bloody daft!’ Robert cut in sharply.

‘Let me finish, Robert. I was about to add, without getting caught. But I can’t. No woman is worth swinging for. We must find a way to get you your freedom. It’s all gone on far too long. You have been living separate lives for—’

‘Nine years!’ Robert interrupted. ‘That’s how long ago it is that Lucinda told me she would never allow me in her bedroom again. I tried several times, because I did want more children after the boys were born. However, nothing worked. She’s just about civil. However, she comes to Yorkshire less and less, and never to London now. When we’re back in Ireland I barely see her. She’s moody, reclusive, haughty with the staff. We effectively live separate lives.’

‘You usually go to Yorkshire when she goes to Switzerland.’ Adrian frowned and threw Robert an odd look. ‘Come to think of it, why does she go trotting off to Zürich, and quite a few times a year? What’s that clinic she goes to, the Medallion?’

‘Yes. She claims she’s not well, and their treatments help her nervous condition, and she likes to be in the mountains. The air helps her breathe better …’

Robert’s voice trailed off when he saw the utter disbelief reflected on his friend’s face, and he shook his head, appeared nonplussed.

‘What a load of codswallop that is!’ Adrian exclaimed, sounding very annoyed. ‘She’s not really ill, not in my opinion. She’s faking it, and I wonder why? Do you have to pay all these Medallion bills?’

Robert shook his head. ‘No, she does that, and sometimes she stays at the Baur au Lac, my favourite hotel, and yours. However, she does have her own money.’

Adrian now looked startled and said, ‘I remember you mentioning the hotel ages ago, and thinking at the time that it was odd she was not actually in the clinic …’