Tomorrow, when I called her, I’d tell Florence.

I’d go to Jericho and destroy this stuff in the open fireplace. Then take up Millar’s suggestion to go and pay a visit to the lodge-keeper.

If she was there.

Florence was abashed.

‘I forgot to write the number here. How did you find me?’

‘In the book. There is only one Pierre Colin, Dentist in town.’

‘I’m so sorry. It’s a long time since we spoke, I wondered if all was well? After your visit, I mean?’

‘Well. I mean I am well. The visit was pretty bizarre. Can we meet?’

‘Yes. I would like that. You can be free?’

‘Can you?’

‘Oh yes. I finish at twelve. I have done what I had to do.’

‘I have to go over to Saint-Basile-les-Pins first. Could you come over to Jericho? About three?’

There was uncertainty in her voice when she replied. ‘I think so. It’s just … Thomas, you know? I can’t leave Céleste with him all afternoon and all this morning. It’s too much.’

‘Bring him. He likes the garden. Likes me. All right?’

‘You are certain? Céleste can come with us. We can’t talk and amuse him at the same time. I want to talk to you. Importantly. You know why?’

‘How could I?’

‘I got a telephone call from Mr Aronovich. In Cannes. He wants to know when it would be convenient to collect the canvases after all this time. He has to have them framed.’

‘I see.’

‘Perhaps we can discuss this when we meet?’

‘We must, Florence, we must. At three? This is very interesting news.’

I replaced the receiver and looked at my unmade bed.

Mr Aronovich indeed. What could I gather from him? And when, and where? It was going to be a busy day.