‘Giving you a crash course in contemporary art. What else?’ She obviously knew the London art scene very well, She was up to date on all the new shows and new galleries, and she seemed to be personally connected to all the important people.

‘I had no idea you knew so much about all this. I’d have been picking your brains the moment I thought of having a gallery of my own.’

‘You didn’t tell me you’d decided to open an art gallery until you rang me. I thought you were still mothering students.’

‘Well, of course, I still am.’

‘And too busy to keep your old friends up to speed. But in a way it’s a good thing. It might have damaged your confidence, knowing too much about it, and possibly stopped you having your own original ideas. I probably would have come down and taken over the show.’

‘Even though you hate the provinces?’

‘Oh. Yes. I’d forgotten that.’

Serious again, Thea asked. ‘But supposing my ideas aren’t original at all? When I started out all I had was fabulous space and Rory. Now I haven’t got him any more, I’ve only got a lot of white walls and some sanded floors.’

‘Garbage! Did you bring your portfolio?’

‘If you mean that folder with a lot of postcards, Rory’s slides I showed you and some brochures, and a dubious video, then yes. Although I left it in your flat.’

‘Good. I’ve got a friend you can show it to tomorrow. If he approves, you know it’s OK.’

Thea looked down at her feet and examined Petal’s trainers. ‘I thought I had a friend like that, too.’

‘But you haven’t now?’

Although Thea had deliberately made it impossible for Magenta to see her expression, she must have betrayed something in her voice. ‘Well, I expect I’ve still got him as a friend. In fact, he’s been great. Really helpful.’

‘But you’d like something more than friendship, right?’

‘Mm.’

‘Tell me about him. We’ve got a while before we arrive at number 506. It’s out near the Dome.’

‘It won’t take long. He thinks I’m a complete idiot.’

‘Where did you meet him?’

Aware that she’d had no one to talk to about Ben, Thea relaxed into it. ‘In my kitchen. I was standing in a dustbin at the time. I think it set the whole tone of our relationship.’

‘So, when did you fall in love with him?’

‘Well, I didn’t know it at the time, but it must have been when I saw him deliver a litter of puppies.’

‘Thea! I’ll never leave you to your own devices again! What in hell have you been up to?’

‘Not as much as I would have liked.’