Once on the train, after cursing herself for forgetting her mobile phone, Thea found herself feeling quite excited about her trip to London. She’d been back very seldom since she left and, although she was furious with Rory for defecting, she would never have taken time off at such a critical time at the gallery without a really good excuse. The thought of a little time away from the combined pressures of the gallery, the puppies and her confused emotions put her in a ‘let out of school’ mood, which she hadn’t felt for a long time. It was also a good opportunity to catch up on some much needed sleep.

Magenta was waiting for her at the end of the platform.

‘Darling! You didn’t need to meet me! I could have just got a cab. Or even the tube –’

‘Honey, you haven’t been in London for a long time, have you? You’ve forgotten about the Northern Line. And why didn’t you phone?’

Ignoring Thea’s protests, and apologies, Magenta ushered her into a taxi. The two women settled back into the comfort of the leather seats.

‘Now,’ said Magenta. ‘Tell me, do you just want to concentrate on finding this Rory guy, or do you want to see some art as well? I mean, you didn’t have much time to research this gallery idea. Perhaps you ought to see what other people are doing.’

Thea was tempted. She desperately needed to find Rory, but it would be silly to waste all her time in London’s hottest art galleries looking for that ingrate. It would be nice to take the time to look at a few pictures as well.

‘I tell you what,’ said Magenta, checking her purse for change. ‘I won’t take you anywhere that will be of no use at all, but I will drag you to some of the more up and coming places that are really important, even if it’s unlikely to be there.’

It seemed easier just to let Magenta take charge. What was it about her personality, she wondered, that made people want to organise her? Molly, Magenta, Petal, they were all at it. ‘Fine.’

‘I’m glad you decided to go with what I’ve planned. I’ve got a fabulous schedule, which will blow you away. Have you got comfortable shoes on?’

Thea only needed a very short time to change into Petal’s discarded trainers, brush her hair and demolish half a litre of fizzy water, so they were back in another cab less than half an hour later. When she protested about the expense, that she was living on money she didn’t have at the moment, Magenta would have none of it.

‘I’m working. I’ll set the cab fares off against tax.’

‘But what are you working at, Magenta?’