On the evening of the party Camilla dressed with great care and knew that she was very beautiful. Edward stood beside her, his fingers touching her fleetingly and often. There were already five or six people there when her father arrived. She handed him a glass of champagne, made introductions, and then left him with Edward and stationed herself near to the door. Giles Hannington arrived a little late. She brought him from the hall into the sitting room, watching as George turned round, unable to mask his confusion. Camilla smiled across the room at him and then busied herself with her other guests, keeping a discreet eye on Giles. He accepted a drink and moved over to talk to Tom who was looking at her hard, his eyebrows raised in enquiry. But she had done what she thought best, and it felt right. She was a little light-headed and her stomach was fluttering as she placed her father halfway down the dinner table, and seated her French client on her right and Giles on her left. Edward looked the young man over, and wondered why Camilla had given him priority seating. Perhaps he was a new model. He was good-looking, although not very tall. As the evening progressed and the wines softened his edgy manner, Giles proved to be an agreeable and entertaining guest, and she was impressed by his knowledge of art and music, and his love of theatre where he was well connected. George watched his daughter, puzzled as to her motives, but after dinner she drew him aside and kissed his cheek.

‘I didn’t know how to tell you that whatever you do, it’s all right with me,’ she said. ‘I love you, Daddy, and I want you to be happy.’

She saw that he had tears in his eyes and she turned quickly away, only to meet another of Tom’s curious gazes. When all the guests had gone he threw himself down on the sofa next to Edward.

‘That went well,’ he said. ‘Very sporting of you, Edward, to let us do this here. Camilla’s new clients loved being invited to your home. It’s not usual for French business people to be entertained in a private house.’

‘Yes. It was a good evening and I’ll be ready to collapse when I’ve finished this coffee. I’m operating early tomorrow morning.’

‘I hadn’t realised Giles Hannington was a friend of yours, Camilla,’ Tom said. ‘I was surprised to find him here.’

‘He’s my father’s lover,’ she replied, amused to hear him choke on his brandy. Edward was smiling.