I remember her description of her friends as old and decrepit. I don’t understand it. Moss has never been the warmest of people towards me but I haven’t done anything wrong, I don’t have to take this. ‘What’s going on, Moss? I’m confused.’

‘You have to ask? You’ve met her. She’s particular.’

I feel myself tightening inside, defensive. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

‘I mean she’s peculiar,’ he corrects himself after a moment.

I don’t understand. ‘Dinah’s peculiar?’

‘A little, yes. For instance, she feels very strongly about her wardrobe. It’s very personal to her. She doesn’t like it being touched.’

It makes no sense to me at all; it was Dinah who took me upstairs to show me her collection. It was Dinah who asked me if I wanted to try on the gown. Still, it’s not something I’m prepared to argue with him about.

‘Her clothes, they’re personal.’ He frowns, waves his hand at me crossly and turns away. ‘I’m old. I can’t explain it.’

I suppose he must wonder if he can trust me. And as he bought the clothes for Dinah’s collection, he’s going to be very aware of their value – if I’d bought them, I wouldn’t necessarily want random strangers trying them on either; I get that. Still. His reaction seems a little over the top.

‘Fair enough,’ I say and I pick up my bag. ‘Let’s leave it at that, then.’

When I get to the door he says, ‘Wait!’

I’ve had enough but I turn back to face him. ‘What?’

‘When are you going to bring me more customers?’ he asks.

It’s not exactly an apology, but it does feel like an olive branch. ‘When will you decide about the shop?’

‘What’s the shop got to do with it? I can fit clothes on people anywhere, makes no difference.’

‘That’s true.’

He leans against the counter for support. ‘For now, send them here, okay? As many as you can; don’t worry, I’m not afraid of working hard.’

I nod. It strikes me for the first time that he’s a long way past retirement age. Like his wife, it’s only his energy that gives him the illusion of being younger.

Maybe working isn’t just a hobby for him but a way to stave off loneliness. I start to wonder if it’s more than that and if he genuinely needs the money. After all, Dinah’s pretty high-maintenance. However, it’s not the kind of thing that I can ask.

‘Okay. I’ll do my best. Thanks for the coffee,’ I say and he nods.

He gathers the dress up and stares at it. ‘Anytime,’ he says tiredly.

LOT 11

Lilac-and-black tweed suit, with co-ordinating sleeveless lilac blouse, intertwined ‘C’ buttons, size 36/10, Chanel-inspired.