Martin would have expected Francis to contribute more to the discussion, and it was during this exchange, when Francis was leaning in and nodding and appearing to listen, that Martin had noticed something uncharacteristically distant and inauthentic about his presence.

‘I suppose you’re wildly excited to be seeing Lucy tonight,’ said Lesley. ‘She must be even more tantalising now that she’s shacked up with a billionaire.’

‘My sister tells me she’s blissfully happy with Hunter,’ said Charlie.

‘My sister would probably have lied just to torment me,’ said Lesley.

‘I know,’ said Charlie, reminding himself that one day he really must stop understanding Lesley, and break up with her instead. ‘I’ll just have to settle for the kind of sister I have, my ally in all things.’

‘Anyway, it’s not Lucy’s happiness I’m concerned about,’ said Lesley, ‘it’s your fantasies of happiness at her side.’

‘I’m not so confused that a woman being delighted by her existing situation, as well as unavailable, acts as an aphrodisiac on me,’ said Charlie, pleased not to be strapped to a polygraph.

‘Oh, because you’re all so psychoanalysed,’ said Lesley. ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry. You know this subject makes me irrational and you know that it’s only because I love you so much.’

‘Sure,’ said Charlie resignedly, ‘but could we have a go at enjoying this party tonight.’

‘My lips are sealed,’ said Lesley, zipping them up with her right hand and throwing away the key.