She went down to the kitchen to make a cup of tea with the kettle donated by Molly. While she was in the kitchen waiting for it to boil, she explored the cupboards and found a door she hadn’t opened before. It was a little room, beyond the kitchen. There was a window in it, but it was too small to use as exhibition space. It was like a bedroom, really. Then she noticed the washbasin in the corner and realised it was a bedroom. Why it was there she couldn’t tell, but it might come in very handy – if the worst came to the worst she could let her own room at home and live here.

Back in the kitchen, where there was a desk, she opened out the envelope of plans she had been given, marking clearly what she had rented at such vast expense. There, beyond the kitchen, was the little room. Thea decided to bring a sleeping bag and pillow next time she came. Cheltenham seemed far away at the end of a long day and there would be many, many long days, though now, even if she’d had the sleeping bag and pillow, the call of a bath would have lured her home.

At home she was annoyed, though not particularly surprised, to discover there was no hot water when she felt the tank. She met Petal coming out of the bathroom looking pink and shiny, and irritatingly clean. ‘I can’t believe you lot have managed to use every drop of hot water,’ snapped Thea.

She was usually much more philosophical about such small disappointments and Petal was affronted. ‘Oh, sorry. We didn’t think. We were all tired, so we wanted baths.’

‘So did I!’

This was so unlike the easygoing Thea that Petal tried to placate her. ‘We borrowed a bottle of red wine from you. Would you like a glass?’

Thea sighed. Actually she yearned for one of Rory’s tumblers of neat whiskey, but more than that she wanted to rid herself of the grime. ‘Later, perhaps. Did you let the water out? Of your bath?’

‘Er … no. I was just going to clean it now.’

Yeah, right, thought Thea. Petal was wearing a very skimpy top and a pair of tight black hipsters, and clutching a pile of dirty underwear. She did not look as if she were about to wield the foaming cleanser and a sponge. Besides, her hair was wet and Petal had strong priorities.

‘Then I’ll get in your water.’

Petal shuddered at the thought.

Thea sighed and to soothe Petal’s horror said, ‘Thank you for getting everyone to work so hard today. You all did brilliantly.’

Petal smiled. ‘We’re sending out for pizza. Shall we order you one?’

Thea nodded. ‘That would be great.’