‘From about five minutes of meeting you, actually. Look, Rupert will keep his side of the bargain, I know he will. You have to learn how to handle him is all. Drop a word here and there about your other offer. Don’t tell him anything concrete, just hint. He is serious about going into the legitimate film business. As silly as he acts at times, he’s shrewd. It’s only with the young boys he loses his head. But I expect you’ve noticed that yourself?’

Jonathan rolled his eyes.

‘You’re telling me! Honestly, Briony, how he hasn’t been locked up, I don’t know. He sails really close to the wind at times. Now he’s gone on Lord Hockley’s boy, and I mean this kid wears full make-up! I’ve told Rupert to be careful, the boy’s father’s up in arms about it, but they’re seen together everywhere. That’s what bothers me, I don’t want to be tarred with the same brush. In fact, Briony, he’s never been near me. I wouldn’t want that. I am mercenary, I admit, I want to get on, but not that way. So far I’ve kept him at arm’s length, and young Peter Hockley’s keeping him occupied. But now I want out.’

‘I’ll see what I can do. But keep your eye on him and the boy in the meantime. That kind of thing could bring us all down. Lord Hockley’s got a lot of sway in this town. He’s rich and influential. If he decides to do something about his son, it could affect us all. Me as well as you. Does the boy know much about our business dealings?’

Jonathan nodded vigorously.

‘He knows it all, Briony. I warned Rupert to keep quiet but you know him after a drink, and the cocaine doesn’t help. The other morning I found them both lying on the floor naked with a couple of Arab boys. It made me realise just how low Rupert was sinking. I mean, he’s not even trying to hide his preferences these days. It’s as if he wants everyone to know. When it was just him, it was all right, but now that young Peter’s involved, it could all end in tears. The boy’s only nineteen. I don’t think he even shaves. But he’s hardly as sweet and innocent as he makes out. It’s him who arranges their little diversions. Frankly, Briony, it’s like a three ring circus in that house some nights. Even you would be shocked at the goings on.’

She frowned.

‘It’s really worrying you, isn’t it?’