‘What sort of things?’

‘Well—’ He paused, and fiddled maddeningly with a match-box. Francis had gone into the bathroom.

‘Well, look here, don’t be too fed up, will you? We’ve put off telling you as long as possible, because we thought you’d be upset. The fact is, old Juan wants the Deedle and me to share a flat with him.’

‘For good, you mean?’

‘For the next two years, anyway. You see, the aunt’s taking Belinha to Paris for six months, so they won’t keep their flat open just for Juan. It’s too expensive. And Buzzy knows a woman who’s got a marvellous furnished flat to let somewhere near Buzzy’s place. Only three quid a week. Marvellous. So old Juan thought it would be a good idea if we all clubbed together. It wouldn’t be so expensive. It’s in a mews, and there’s a garage underneath for the car, and a marvellous pub at one end. It used to be an old coaching sort of pub, where the Regency bucks used to go. Marvellous. So old Juan thought it would be a good idea.’

His voice tailed off nervously. Francis came back, whistling carefully and drying his hands and not looking at Sophia, who was staring at Harry.

She could not find any words. Her thoughts flew round and round in her head, driven by an awful sinking feeling of dismay.

‘I hope you don’t mind about it too much, darling. We thought you’d like a little peace and quiet, as you don’t like parties. It’ll be all right, we’ll still see lots of each other, and you’ll have more time for writing poetry and everything. Marvellous. Only if you just would see the old cow and tell her it’s all right. She’s afraid we’ll get into messes. Silly old trout. It’ll be too marvellous. If you could just soothe her down …’

She burst out so violently that they both jumped—

‘I won’t. I won’t soothe her down. I’ve had enough of soothing people down for you. I won’t do any more of it. What do you think I am, a sort of doormat or a buffer or something? I’ve been wanting to tell you this for a long time, and I’m glad I can. I’m damned sick of clearing up your messes …’

A fluttering pause. They said nothing; both looked sulky and dangerous.

‘And as for your living with Juan, I think it’s insane. You must both be crazy. You’ll get into the most frightful holes, and into debt, and land yourselves in some ghastly mess or other. I agree with Juan’s aunt. I’m glad she’s got some sense, at least. You’ll do nothing but have parties and drink. I know. And I’m going to move heaven and earth to stop you doing it!’

They stirred at this. Harry lowered his head and stared across at her with his chin stuck out. She stared back at him. Just so had she seen her father look in one of his rages. It was an almost animal look, piteously touched by weakness. It was her father’s very gesture. Francis’s lips were tightly compressed and he was very white, with a ghost of a jaunty smile.