‘They never really appreciated him, you know. And this is such a challenge. I think it will make a huge change in our lives.’ Marina’s smile was wistful. ‘I wanted to tell you that we’ve bought something in the country. I’d love you to come and see it.’

‘You’re moving out of London?’

‘Of course not, darling.’ Marina gave a impatient flick of her fingers. ‘But I’ve always wanted a little place for weekends. When things get too hectic here. I found this wonderful cottage in Burford. It’s seventeenth century and rather small. Only two bedrooms and a tiny garden, and it needs doing up. I thought you might like to come down on Friday and see it.’

‘Not this weekend. I’m going to Deauville. Clothes for a new French designer – they’re taking the photographs on the beach and at the race course.’ Camilla saw her mother’s eyes begin to glitter with tears. ‘Oh please, Mother, don’t make a scene.’

‘Don’t be hurtful, darling. I’m just a little disappointed. Now let’s look at the menu and you can tell me all your other news. I hope you’re eating enough.’

‘You’ve lost a few pounds yourself.’

‘Yes, but I’m doing something about it,’ Marina replied. ‘Just be careful, darling. Your sort of work sometimes demands things of your body that may not be good for you. Are you sure you want to go on with this modelling thing?’

Camilla looked up, surprised. She was accustomed to Marina’s devious methods of unveiling her real agenda for the day, and she had no doubt that there was something hidden in her mother’s remarks. But she could not guess what it might be.

‘I’m happy with what I’m doing, Mother. I’m planning to go to Kenya in the summer, you know. So I don’t want to start anything new before then.’

Camilla braced herself for objections, but there were none. Marina nodded and then turned the conversation to the redecoration of the cottage, and the organisation of yet another charity ball that was occupying her time.

‘Would you think of joining our table?’ she asked. ‘Your father will be back. We could go as a family. He’d love that, you know. And so would I. You can bring a guest, if you like. Maybe there’s a secret someone responsible for making you look so beautiful.’

‘Maybe it’s one of my cockney barrow boys, Mother.’ Camilla was smiling. ‘I might disgrace you, if I came to your ball with someone like that.’

‘Oh, darling.’ Marina gave a breathless little laugh. ‘I’ll reserve two tickets for you.’

They finished their coffee, and Camilla noticed that her mother’s hands were shaking as she replaced her cup. Too many cocktails last night, she thought. But she’s very calm today. Almost sweet. She sighed. It wouldn’t last.