‘How very wise you are,’ Alleyn exclaimed. ‘Thank you for it. Yes, we do know, in a piecemeal sort of way, as you’ve suggested, that there were ructions. We have winkled them out. We know, for instance, that there was a difference of opinion, on professional grounds, here in this room. This morning. We know it was resurrected with other controversial matters during the party. We know that you and Mr Saracen were involved and when I say that, I’m quite sure you’re both much too sensible to suppose I’m suggesting anything more. Fox and I speak only of facts. We’ll be nothing but grateful if you can help us discard as many as possible of the awkward load of facts that we’ve managed to accumulate.’

‘All this,’ Gantry said, ‘sounds mighty fine. We’re on foreign ground, Pinky, and may well make fools of ourselves. You watch your step, my girl.’

‘I don’t believe you,’ she said, and still looking full at Alleyn: ‘What do you want to know?’

‘First of all, what your particular row was about.’

She said: ‘All right with you, Bertie?’

‘Oh, Christmas!’ he said. ‘I suppose so.’

‘You’re a fool, Bertie,’ Timon Gantry said angrily.

‘These things can’t be controlled. You don’t know where you’ll fetch up.’

‘But then you see, Timmy, dear, I never do,’ Bertie rejoined with a sad little giggle.

Gantry rounded on Pinky Cavendish. ‘You might care to remember that other people are involved.’

‘I don’t forget, Timmy, I promise you.’ She turned to Alleyn. ‘This morning’s row,’ she said, ‘was because I told Mary I was going to play the lead in a new play. She felt I was deserting her. Later on, during the party when we were all’ – she indicated the conservatory – ‘in there, she brought it up again.’

‘And was still very angry?’

Pinky looked unhappily at Charles. ‘It was pretty hot while it lasted. Those sorts of dusts-up always were, with Mary.’

‘You were involved, Mr Saracen?’

‘Not ’alf!’ Bertie said and explained why.

‘And you, Mr Gantry?’

‘Very well – yes. In so far as I am to produce the comedy.’

‘But you copped it both ways, Timmy,’ Bertie pointed out with some relish. ‘You were involved in the other one, too. About Dicky’s “different” play and Anelida being asked to do the lead. She was angrier about that than anything. She was livid.’

‘Mr Alleyn knows,’ Anelida said, and they looked uneasily at her.

‘Never mind, dear,’ Gantry said rather bossily. ‘None of this need concern you. Don’t get involved.’

‘She is involved,’ Richard said, looking at her. ‘With me. Permanently, I hope.’

‘Really?’ Pinky cried out in her warmest voice and beamed at Anelida. ‘How lovely! Bertie! Timmy! Isn’t that lovely! Dicky, darling! Anelida!’