The kettle boiled and I poured the water onto the tea leaves, then carried through the tray.

“So we might learn more about him when they’ve had a chance to examine his fingerprints,” Darcy was saying. “At least we have the American government working on our behalf now. So that’s good, isn’t it?”

His father grunted. I couldn’t tell if he was agreeing or not.

“And we’ve all been busy on your behalf today,” Darcy continued. “Alexandra has been in touch with a QC friend of hers in London and he recommended a barrister to us. We went to see him today. A splendid chap. The best in Dublin, they say. Sir Grenville Hobbes. Of course, Leach is dead against him, but it’s up to you. You’re the client. So can we suggest he come to see you tomorrow and you two can talk? You’ll get along well. He’s one of us. His son went to school with me. And he used to play cricket with you.”

Darcy’s father had been staring at him. Then he said, “You seem to forget one thing, my boy. I am living in this hovel because I have no money. And I’m sure barristers of the quality of Grenville Hobbes don’t work for charity. I can’t pay him. You’ve wasted your time.”

“Lord Kilhenny—Thaddy—” Zou Zou said. “Please don’t worry about the money side of it. The important thing is that you meet this man and you trust him to represent you. I think you’ll be happy to put your life in his hands.”

Lord Kilhenny was frowning now. “Don’t worry about the money side of things? I don’t think you grasp the situation. I cannot pay a barrister.”

“Then you must rely on kind friends who will take care of matters for you,” Zou Zou said.

“What kind friends? I have no friends any longer.”

“You have us,” Zou Zou said.

“No, no, a thousand times no,” Lord Kilhenny roared. “I most certainly will not allow you or anybody to pay for me. Do you hear that? I absolutely forbid it. I do not want your charity.”

Zou Zou’s face had gone very pink. “You really are a most stubborn man,” she said. “And a stupid one too. You should realize that there are people who care about you and want to help you. But fine. If that’s the way you want it, reject our help, just like you have rejected your son all these years. Come on, Darcy, let’s go. We’ll have tea at your great-aunt’s house where we are welcome.”

She made a magnificent exit. Darcy and I hesitated for a moment, both feeling upset and embarrassed.

“We do want to help you, Father,” Darcy said. “But you have to want to help yourself.” He took my arm. “Come, Georgie.” And he led me outside.