‘How well does he know you?’ Hugh wondered whether Matilda would tell this man about himself.

‘We’ve known each other since we were tots. I don’t tell him things, not since I killed Felicity. I’ve been very careful since that episode.’

‘Maybe there’s some other thing?’

‘What could there be?’ Hugh watched her puzzled face and a minute breeze of fear flickered in her eyes. She also seemed puzzled. I’m getting to know this woman, he thought then. ‘Let me tell you where the money is.’

‘Yes, do.’

‘If I give you my latchkey could you get me a pair of my own shoes?’

‘Of course.’

‘What else shall you do?’

‘Get my hair done, shop.’

‘Don’t let them spoil it!’

‘If I go looking like this John won’t take me to good restaurants. He’ll say nothing and take me to cheap, pokey places, hide me.’

‘Nasty man.’

‘Just vain. He likes to be seen with presentable women.’

‘Not Polish Fowls.’

‘Certainly not.’

‘He doesn’t like animals best.’

‘I don’t think he likes animals at all, or people. He is the sort of person who likes power. Poor old boy, it would be nice for him to be Sir Piers. That would give him a certain power. Sir Piers first, then after a few years Sir Piers will shift into another gear. Who knows – KCMG? I think he would like that.’

She is being malicious, Hugh thought and wondered whether Matilda knew she did not like this man or whether she had buried her feelings too deep to germinate.

‘Shall you see friends?’

‘I have so few left in London.’

‘That’s no answer.’

‘We, or I, have changed. There isn’t much left in common.’

‘Your other children?’

‘Neither Anabel nor Mark are in London.’ She straightened her back. ‘I wouldn’t know if they were.’

‘Surely?’

Matilda grinned. ‘Did you keep your mother posted?’

‘No,’ he said. ‘I did not bother.’

‘She had her cat.’ Matilda’s unkindness was intentional.

‘You need not invite me to your funeral either,’ he said.

‘Love all.’ She pursed her lips.

14

WHEN MATILDA SET off, respectable in her London clothes, Hugh sighed with relief. He intended a voyage of exploration. He was still sure that he would find some clues about to amuse him during her absence.