We stood together on the threshold of the house, looking about the long room. With a few things changed, dust sheets and newspapers removed, with some pleasant paintings, flowers in jugs, new covers on the settee, the place could look different. Would, in fact be different. A change of atmosphere would work wonders.

‘A coat of paint everywhere,’ I said, ‘upstairs and downstairs. As soon as Simon carts the bits away, and Aronovich takes his loot. Too many canvases for me to carry in the boot of the car.’

She wandered back to the terrace, leant against the vine trellis, tearing a leaf into fragments. A habit of hers in stress. ‘Thomas’s bed, the cage, is that going with Simon?’

‘Of course. Unless you want it?’

‘No. No. We have one. It’s too small for him now anyway.’

‘I thought, with a new bed, Giles could have it. While he’s here. That room.’

She threw the stalk of the leaf into the air, wiped her fingers on the hem of her skirt. ‘That room. Don’t put him in the empty room. That was James’s private place. Everything that was in there I burned. It was full of unhappiness.’

‘I think we’ll bring happiness back here again. It’s an old house, it’s used to change, to moods. Ready now for something new again. A renewal. You agree?’

‘Oh dear, William! I don’t know. It’s your life, your house now. For the time being anyway. I have my own life ahead. Ours do not join. Anywhere.’

She turned and walked slowly down the dusty path to the gate. I followed her, and when I caught up with her, just as she reached the gate, I took her hand. She looked up at me without expression.

All I could find to say, holding her hand, was, ‘But we must join! I will need your help. You can’t ignore me. Not after yesterday. I mean, I remember all I said. I’ve told you, I shall need help here: Where the fuse-box is. Is there a well? – I’ll need a well for watering – Where is the cesspit? Where do you suggest that I go to buy some beds – Sainte-Brigitte, I imagine?’

She withdrew her hand from mine, leant against the gatepost, a half-smile on her lips.