‘I don’t think you know truth from fiction and it doesn’t matter but you should be more careful. You hurt me.’

‘Matty, I am sorry. Shall we go? Finish the apologies.’

‘Let’s walk a little. I’ll tell you a secret. I’m wearing a pair of Louise’s shoes. My feet swell on these pavements.’

John took her arm and said cheerfully, ‘And I will tell you one too. I sleep with a revolver under my pillow – always have.’

Matilda burst out laughing. John laughed too, though he was still a little annoyed with what he considered her prissy reaction over Tom. ‘I showed it to Tom on one occasion and he said, “Never tell Matty, it would scare the pants off her.”’

‘He never called me Matty.’

‘No, of course he didn’t.’

‘And I don’t believe in the revolver.’

‘There is no need for you to.’

Matilda thought this answer ambiguous and decided to cut short her visit. London suddenly seemed too large, too noisy, too much for her altogether. Too much for her feet.

‘I shall have to go home very soon.’

‘You’ve only just arrived.’

‘There’s nothing for me in London, John, not any more. Piers, if you like.’

‘It’s lovely to see you. Don’t hurry away now you’re here.’

‘It’s such a pity there’s no fishing near me. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were?’

She’s taken offence, thought John. No matter, she’s saved herself a heart attack which would be boring for me to arrange. I don’t want to stay with her anyway.

‘When must you go?’

‘In a couple of days, if I may stay that long.’

‘You know you may. I’m not going to Prague until Saturday. Today is Tuesday.’

‘I shall go on Thursday then.’

‘Why don’t you ring up?’

‘There is nobody to ring up. I live solo.’

‘Yes, of course.’

‘Don’t advise me to marry again.’

‘I wouldn’t dream of it.’

‘Louise, Mark, Anabel and Claud have.’

‘Fools.’

‘And you’re an angel.’

‘With foibles.’ They had reached John’s house and he reached for his key. ‘A nightcap? Brandy?’

‘No. Bed for me. Thank you, I’ve had a lovely evening.’ Matilda left him and later in bed wondered whether he did or did not sleep with a revolver under his pillow. She felt anxious and disturbed, wishing she were at home.