‘I shall be off then, things to do, you know!’ And with that Lydia left, the feathers on her hat dancing.

*

The reason for her good mood became clear a few nights later when, after a visit to one of his shops, Oscar called in to the gentleman’s club that he occasionally frequented. He was aware that news of his and Lydia’s separation would have spread like wildfire by now but he was ready to face the gossips.

‘Ah, Oscar, old chap. Come and join me,’ a middle-aged man with a large moustache invited as he strode towards the bar. Oscar wasn’t at all keen on Victor Fellows; his wife was a close friend of Lydia’s and he had no doubt that Victor would be fishing for more news on the break-up. But not wishing to appear rude he took a seat, thinking it was best to get it over with.

‘Over here, Charles.’ Victor summoned a waiter and once he had ordered a drink for Oscar he puffed on his cigar for a while before saying, ‘Well, this is a fine kettle of fish, is it not, old chap? Lydia finding a new love so quickly, I mean. You could have knocked me down with a feather when Belle told me.’

Oscar narrowed his eyes. ‘What do you mean?’

‘Oh dear, don’t tell me that you didn’t know? According to my wife she’s been seen out and about with a certain gentleman – a lord no less. But then he’d have to be to afford her, wouldn’t he? He’s an old friend of her parents, by all accounts. Much older than her but rich as they come, which is probably the attraction. You did know, didn’t you?’

The waiter appeared with his drink on a tray at that moment and once he had placed it in front of him, Oscar answered truthfully, ‘I didn’t know, but all I can say is, I hope he makes her happy. She’s certainly not been happy with me for many years.’

Victor puffed on his cigar contemplatively. ‘So, what will happen now? Have you spoken of divorce?’

Oscar took a sip of his drink and shook his head. ‘Not as yet, but I dare say that will come in time. There’s no chance of a reconciliation. On reflection I realise now that we were never really suited to each other, but these things happen and you just have to get on with life, don’t you?’

‘And is there no one new on the horizon for you yet?’ Victor pressed.

Oscar had to stifle a grin. He knew that everything he said would be fed back to Belle the instant Victor arrived home. ‘No, you know what they say, Victor – once bitten twice shy.’