“How long are you expecting to stay with them?” I couldn’t help asking. It seemed to me like enough food for weeks.

“I’m only ordering enough to tide us over for a day or so,” she said. “I wonder if there is a fishmonger nearby. I could do with some oysters and I adore caviar.”

“I don’t know whether you’d find caviar in the wilds of Ireland,” I said. “And are we close enough to the sea for oysters?”

“Very well,” she said. “I’ll have them sent out from Dublin next time we’re there. Oh, and tell both the merchants to deliver, won’t you? Off you go, then.”

I braved the elements and dashed across to the two shops. When they heard my order they were most accommodating and of course they would be happy to deliver. I returned to the car, thinking again how different and simple life is for the rich. I reached the Rolls at the same time as Darcy and explained I’d been on a food mission for Zou Zou.

He nodded. “That was a kind thought of hers. I must confess I was a little worried about Aunt Oona providing enough food.”

“So was Mr. Leach overjoyed at the news?” I asked as we both climbed back into the motor.

“Not at all. Quite the opposite, in fact. He considers Sir Grenville rather flash and vulgar, in spite of his successes, and feels his obviously aristocratic bearing may adversely influence a jury of common people.”

“Oh dear. So what happens now?” I asked.

“The silly man must be made to see sense,” Zou Zou said firmly.

“He did say he would abide by the wishes of his client. If my father instructs him to hire Sir Grenville then he is obligated to do so.” He glanced across at us as he let out the clutch and the motorcar moved away smoothly, its lovely engine still purring in spite of its age. “I’ve never liked him much. Always came across as very narrow and cautious to me. So it’s up to my father now.”

“And I’m sure he’ll be delighted,” Zou Zou said. I wasn’t so sure myself.

“Now I positively insist that we find somewhere to eat,” Zou Zou continued. “I don’t know about you but I need regular meals and it is already almost two o’clock.”