‘I can’t remember. I remember it being quite obvious he didn’t care one way or the other so I had no remorse.’

‘And Sir Piers?’

‘He’s like the grave. He’s never referred to it. Funny fellow.’

‘Was he in love with you?’

‘John? He’s not capable of love. He’s cold.’

‘The police?’

‘John clammed up and I forgot all about it. I’ve never told anyone until now.’

‘It’s a good story.’

‘Yes,’ said Matilda kindly, ‘a good story. You see, anybody can commit murder. It’s chance really.’ She could see Hugh didn’t believe her or was uncertain.

‘You are uncertain of my veracity.’

‘A bit. It seems odd you should meet this Felicity woman alone in Hyde Park in the snow.’

‘Not really. She used to follow me to make me feel uncomfortable. One never knew when or where she would appear. She did it to other women whose husbands had lain with her. It was her hobby to make us feel insecure. John told me. I remember now when he gave me the brandy he said, “A lot of girls will be the happier. You must not let it worry you. Promise.” I’d forgotten that. I promised – put it right out of my mind.’

‘Can you do that? Put things aside.’

‘One has to.’ Matilda looked bleak. ‘I put Louise aside. How else could I have gone on living with Tom? He needed me, I needed him and Louise –’ Her voice trailed, leaving Louise up in the air. She got up and began clearing the table.

‘Let’s have some coffee and you tell me where your money is hidden. I’ll stay a night or two with John and fetch it for you. Is it somewhere difficult to get at?’

‘No, it’s under the carpet on the staircase up to my flat.’

‘For everyone to tread on?’

‘Yes.’ Hugh smiled.

Matilda’s laugh rang out in delight.

‘How original.’

‘It was my brother’s idea, some of it is his. Tax evasion.’

‘So he –’

‘No, he won’t. My mother had just heard he was missing in Guerrilla country.’

‘Dead?’

‘For his sake one hopes so.’

‘Oh, Guerillas/Gorillas. Your poor mother. Maybe I’m right, she was lucky. Did she love him?’

‘He was her whole life.’

‘There you are then, you did the right thing.’

‘She could have loved me more.’

‘Too big a risk, I think.’ He could see Matilda’s thoughts straying where he could not follow. ‘No more risks for me.’ Her face was dead-pan. ‘Bed for me. We can plan your future tomorrow. I will ring up the soon-to-be Sir Piers and tell him I’m coming.’

‘But –’