‘You smothered her. She was an obsession, not a child. You never allowed her to play with other children. It was almost as though the rest of the world had some ghastly infectious disease. Camilla might as well have been in an isolation ward.’

Sarah put her hands over her ears and looked imploringly at Camilla. But there was no way out now. If they made for the stairs it would be clear that they had been eavesdropping. Camilla shook her head. Her eyes were dull with misery, and she lifted her shoulders in a helpless apology.

‘I was terrified something would happen to her.’ Marina’s voice was pleading, and they heard the click of her lighter and the intake of her breath.

‘And then you abandoned her. You went out every day and left her with the nanny. Because of your new friend, no doubt.’

‘Don’t ever mention him to me.’ Marina’s voice rose. ‘Don’t ever speak his name, or raise this subject. Do you hear me? Do you, George?’

‘Oh God,’ George said wearily. ‘There’s no point in going over all this. I’ve given you a choice. I think that would be better for you. God knows, almost anything might be better than this.’

‘A separation? So that I can live alone in some stultifying village in Sussex, and join the local Women’s League, while you travel around the world and do as you wish? Oh, I don’t think so, George. You’ll have to do better than that.’

‘I can’t afford a house in Belgravia or Knightsbridge, Marina, with the kind of entourage you have in mind. You have to get that clear. In the meantime your indiscretions are becoming a little too obvious, and too frequent.’

‘There’re a great deal more acceptable than your sordid affairs. I’m the one keeping your career together, after all, and you’re in no position to comment on—’

‘We’ve been through all this before, goddamnit.’ George was trying to control his anger, but his voice rose. ‘You know we can’t have a scandal, and I’m not willing to step down right now. This is a pivotal time in my career.’

‘And that’s why I’m trapped here, in this godforsaken continent. I’m dying here, George.’ She was almost screaming at him. ‘I’m dying in the prison you’ve made for me. You promised you’d only do one tour and we’ve been here for six interminable, bloody years. Away from anything and anyone civilised. No, don’t touch me! Don’t!’

Camilla sank down on the sofa and buried her head in her hands. Sarah remained standing, close to the door, mute and appalled.