‘I ain’t never met a white man yet who means anything, Kerry. I call him Tommy boy tomorrow in front of his fancy friends and he’ll try and break my head! Believe me, I know.’

‘Not Tommy Lane, Evander, you’re wrong.’ Her voice was soft and reproving and for a second he felt the terrific pull of her, and at the same time was reminded of just what trouble this relationship could bring him. Tommy Lane slapping you on the back and buying your clothes was one thing. Tommy Lane with the knowledge he was sleeping with Kerry would be a different matter entirely.

‘I’ll see you tonight, Evander, won’t I?’

He looked into her little face, full of yearning, and he smiled.

‘’Course you will, sweetheart. Now let’s get on stage before the crowd gets restless!’

Kerry put on her widest smile and walked on to the stage. Evander followed but his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Rupert Charles sat with Jonathan la Billière and a rather pale young man called Dorian. His face lit up at the sight of Briony walking towards his table.

‘Briony darling! Where have you been? We’ve missed you, haven’t we, boys?’

Jonathan stood up as Briony sat down and he winked at her.

‘How did the filming go?’ she asked them. ‘I couldn’t make it, I’m afraid, but I have a lot of faith in you, Rupert.’

She took out a cigarette and placed it in a long black holder. Dorian struck a match and lit it for her. She blew the smoke out into his face and smiled her thanks.

‘Dorian darling, this is Briony Cavanagh. Briony, this is Dorian Carnarvon, the Duke of Tenby’s only son. A darling boy with the most delightful grey eyes, don’t you think?’

Briony smiled absently at the boy and concentrated on Jonathan, the male star of the film.

‘So what’s the score?’

Jonathan grinned and, losing his gentlemanly manner for a moment, said, ‘The girl was young, plump, and knew all the right moves. There’s a reel of film in your office waiting for you. Have a look and tell me what you think.’

‘Is it as good as the other films? The truth now.’

‘Honestly, yes! It’s not bad. We know all the pitfalls now. You have a look and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.’

Briony nodded, satisfied.

‘What happened to you anyway, Briony? I was looking forward to seeing you. I was going to take you out after the shoot.’

Her eyes scanned the club around her as she answered. ‘I had a bit of trouble, but it’s sorted now. Do me a favour, set up another session and I’ll put up the money. I want this pukkah, I want it right.’

He laughed.

‘Do you only ever do business, Briony? Don’t you ever relax?’