‘She did betray me,’ thought Hugh. ‘The crafty bitch, keeping me talking, telling me that tripey tale.’

‘Came to see if you are all right, been a power cut in the valley.’

‘Here too.’ Matilda sounded cool. ‘Come in. Like some coffee?’

‘Powerful honk that gander’s got. He’s a good watchdog.’

‘Yes, he is.’

‘Got a new dog I see.’

‘Yes, I licensed her today. Coffee? Tea? Wine? I’ll get another glass.’

‘No, thank you. I must be on my way. Just wanted to see you were all right, you living all alone here. Must be lonely.’

‘I love it.’

‘So they tell me. My wife wouldn’t do it. She thinks you’re brave.’

‘Or mad perhaps.’

‘No, no, what an idea –’

‘My children think I’m crazy.’

‘Do they? Well, it’s for you to suit yourself isn’t it?’

‘Yes.’

‘Nice little dog. She’s only a puppy.’

‘She might be. I got a licence to be on the safe side.’

‘Sensible that.’

‘I’ve always been scared of you since you caught me with the car untaxed.’

‘It was duty. I was sorry to do it so soon after Mr Pollyput’s death.’

‘That’s what made me forget. Sure you won’t have a drink?’

‘No thank you, Mrs Pollyput. I must be going. I was going to call in on Mr Jones.’

‘He’ll be hiding under the bed.’

The constable laughed.

‘Goodnight,’ Matilda called, watching the policeman get back into his car. She shut the door. ‘You can come back now, he’s gone.’

They sat again at the table. Hugh refilled their glasses. ‘I took mine out of the room with me.’ He glanced at her sidelong.

‘How clever. I didn’t think of it. I offered him wine.’

‘I heard you.’

‘Where were we?’

‘You were telling me about your well-planned death with Tom after your successful loving life together.’

‘You sound acid.’

‘Did you love him?’

‘Of course I loved him. There was never anyone else. He was my first and only love.’ As she spoke a puzzled expression flitted momentarily across her face.

‘What is it?’

‘Something I can’t remember.’

‘Another man?’

‘I don’t know. How odd. How strange. Why should I suddenly think –’

‘What?’

‘Some tussle, a sort of thrill. Good Lord, I can’t remember. It must be something I’ve heard or read. It wasn’t me, one of the girls perhaps or a friend. Something happened at a party in Bloomsbury. Not important.’

Hugh didn’t believe her.

‘Where did you meet Tom?’

‘At a party in Kensington.’

‘And you fell in love and lived happily ever after.’

‘Yes.’

Hugh tipped his chair back and laughed.

‘It’s not possible to believe.’

‘Why not?’ Matilda snapped. ‘Ask around, ask our friends.’

‘No need,’ said Hugh. ‘It’s a good story but it won’t wash.’

Matilda looked blank.