Peregrine drove home in a state of some confusion. He was glad the hidden sword mystery was solved, of course, but uncertain how much, if anything, of the explanation should be passed on to the company. In the end he decided to say something publicly to Gaston about his promising to give the wooden sword to William and William hiding it. But, according to William, Nina Gaythorne knew about the sword. How the hell had the silly old trout found out? Charlie? Perhaps he’d let it out. Or more likely Banquo. He was there. He could have seen. And pretty well satisfied that this was the truth, he arrived home.

Emily heard the story of William.

‘Do you think he’ll keep his word?’ she asked.

‘Yes, I do. I’m quite persuaded he will.’

‘What was it like? The house. And his mother?’

‘All right. I didn’t go in. Tiny house. Their own furniture. She’s as thin as a lath and definitely upper-class. I don’t remember if her circumstances came out at the trial but my guess would be that after the legal expenses were settled there was enough to buy the house or pay the rent and furnish it from what they had after the sale. He had been a well-heeled stockbroker. Mad as a hatter.’

‘And William’s at a drama school.’

‘The Royal Southwark Theatre School. It’s good. They get the whole works, all school subjects. Registered as a private school. There must have been enough for William’s fees. And she’s got some secretarial job, I fancy.’

‘I’ve been trying to remember what it was like when I was six. What was he told and how much does he retain?’

‘At a guess, I’d say he was told his father was mentally very ill and committed to an asylum. Probably he was sent abroad until it was all over.’

‘Poor little man,’ said Emily.

‘He’ll be a good actor. You’ll see.’

‘Yes. How’s your bruised tum?’

‘Better every day.’

‘Good.’

‘In fact everything in the garden is – ‘ He pulled up. Emily saw that he had crossed his first and second fingers. ‘That really would be asking for it,’ he said.

The next day shone brightly. Peregrine and Emily drove happily along the Embankment, over Blackfriars Bridge and turned right for Wharfingers Lane and the theatre. The entire company had been called and had nearly all arrived and were assembled in the auditorium.

It was to be a complete run-through of the play with props. This week would be the last one entirely for the actors. After that would come the mechanical effects and lights rehearsals with endless stops, adjustments and repositionings. And then, finally, two dress rehearsals.

Emily knew a lot of the company. Sir Dougal was delighted that she had come down to rehearsal. Why did they not see more of her in these days? Sons? How many? Three? All at school? Wonderful!