‘Has he given it to her, will somebody tell me?’ Cedric demanded.

‘He can’t,’ said Pauline. ‘He can’t. And what’s more, I don’t believe he would. Unless—’ She stopped short and turned to Paul. ‘If he’s given it to her,’ she said, ‘he’s going to marry her. That’s all.’

Poor Troy, who had been making completely ineffectual efforts to go, seized upon the silence that followed Pauline’s announcement to murmur: ‘If I may, I think I shall—’

‘Dear Mrs Alleyn,’ said Cedric, ‘I implore you not to be tactful. Do stay and listen.’

‘I don’t see,’ Paul began, ‘why poor Mrs Alleyn should be inflicted—’

‘She knows,’ said Fenella. ‘I’m afraid I’ve already told her, Paul.’

Pauline suddenly made a gracious dive at Troy. ‘Isn’t it disturbing?’ she said with an air of drawing Troy into her confidence. ‘You see how things are? Really, it’s too naughty of Papa. We’re all so dreadfully worried. It’s not what’s happening so much as what might happen that terrifies one. And now the Sunburst. A little too much. In its way it’s a historic jewel.’

‘It was a little cadeau d’estime from the Regent to Great-Great-Grandmama Honoria Ancred,’ Cedric cut in. ‘Not only historical, but history repeating itself. And may I point out, Aunt Pauline, that I personally am rocked to the foundations. I’ve always understood that the Sunburst was to come to me.’

‘To your daughter,’ said Paul. ‘The point is academic.’

‘I’m sure I don’t know why you think so,’ said Cedric, bridling. ‘Anything might happen.’

Paul raised his eyebrows.

‘Really, Pauline,’ said Millamant. ‘Really, Paul!’

‘Paul, darling,’ said Pauline offensively, ‘don’t tease poor Cedric.’

‘Anyway,’ said Fenella, ‘I think Aunt Pauline’s right. I think he means to marry, and if he does, I’m never coming to Ancreton again. Never!’

‘What shall you call her, Aunt Pauline?’ Cedric asked impertinently. ‘Mummy, or a pet name?’

‘There’s only one thing to be done,’ said Pauline. ‘We must tackle him. I’ve told Jenetta and I’ve told Dessy. They’re both coming. Thomas will have to come too. In Claude’s absence he should take the lead. It’s his duty.’

‘Do you mean, dearest Aunt Pauline, that we are to lie in ambush for the Old Person and make an altogether-boys bounce at him?’

‘I propose, Cedric, that we ask him to meet us all and that we simply—we simply—’

‘And a fat lot of good, if you’ll forgive me for saying so, Pauline, that is likely to do,’ said Millamant, with a chuckle.