Cordelia shrugged. “We all know how completely stupid Lindsay’s accusations are. And we all know why she’s making a fool of herself this way. I think we should feel pity rather than anger. Come on, Claire.” She crossed the room and took Claire’s arm, steering her toward the door. Alex dodged out of her reach in a swift movement. On her way out, Cordelia turned to Sophie and said, “You’re a doctor, Sophie. Maybe you should get her some treatment.” Then they were gone. In the stunned silence following their departure, Jim Carstairs moved uncertainly toward the door.

“I’m sorry this has turned out so badly,” he said. “I honestly don’t know what can be salvaged, but I’d be obliged if you’d call at my office tomorrow morning. Perhaps you could bring the original of Alison’s diary.”

Lindsay nodded dumbly. As Jim left the room, Antonis was suddenly galvanized into action. He jumped to his feet and followed him, calling, “Wait, Mr. Carstairs. I want your advice about these lies we have heard tonight.” He slammed the door behind him, and the muffled sound of their voices could be heard. Sophie put her arms round Lindsay and tried to hug her rigid form.

“What a fucking carry-on,” Alex complained. “I need a drink.” He walked over to the tray and poured himself a brandy and dry ginger.

In her dazed state, Lindsay vaguely registered that Ruth was shaking with silent sobs on the sofa. She pulled away from Sophie and sat down beside Ruth. “I’m really sorry,” she said. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Ruth gulped and stammered, “It . . . it’s all right. I knew . . . I knew anyway. I’ve known for months. It’s just . . .”

“Just what?” Lindsay asked gently.

Then it all poured out. “I was so afraid when you brought that boy in. I was sure . . . I was so sure he’d point to me!” Ruth gasped brokenly.

“But why? Why would he point to you? You were in the gallery, weren’t you?” Sophie cut in.

Ruth shook her head. “No. I knew about Alison and Antonis, you see. I kept thinking it would stop, that she’d get rid of him when she’d had her fun. Like she usually did. But it kept on. I wanted to tell her to stop. So I waited till I knew she was on her own. After I heard her and Jackie quarreling, I waited till I heard the door of her flat slam. Then I ran straight down and let myself in. I had a key, you see. And . . . I found her. Lying there.” A fresh burst of sobbing overtook Ruth.

Lindsay put her arm round her and stroked her back. “She was dead already?”