She studies me for a long moment. She doesn’t answer my question but when I ask her again, she summons another smile, warmer this time, reaches for her glass but misses. Embarrassed, she recovers herself and grabs it on the second try. She knows I’m watching her, and I think she can feel my concern, but she says nothing.

We finish our drinks in silence and head for the street. Walking up the hill, Christianne starts to lose her balance again, but I put my arm through hers and we struggle on upwards. Neither of us has the breath for conversation, and when we finally arrive at Evelyn’s gate, she gives me a hug.

‘Say goodbye before you go,’ she says. ‘Just promise me that.’

‘I will, of course I will. We’ll meet again. We’ll make it happen. London. Holland Park. There’s a Lebanese restaurant down the road. You’ll love it.’

‘I know.’

‘So, you’ll come? Make the effort? I’ll buy you a train ticket, meet you at Paddington. It won’t cost you a penny.’

‘That’s kind.’

‘Do I hear a yes?’

‘Peut-être.’ Maybe.

She disentangles herself from the hug and gently pushes me away before heading for her own gate. Back inside Evelyn’s bungalow, I find her arranging lines of books on her new shelves.

‘I was starting to wonder,’ she says, nodding at the clock on the mantelpiece. ‘I thought someone might have carried the pair of you off.’

SEVEN

Next morning, packed and ready to go, it’s time to say goodbye to Christianne. I knock a couple of times, and it’s McFaul who comes to the door. When I enquire about Christianne, he says she’s still in bed. He’s very happy to pass on a message but just now wouldn’t be the time to disturb her.

‘Is she OK?’

‘Touch of flu. It happens sometimes.’

‘Poor thing.’

‘Yeah.’

I hold his gaze. Saying goodbye to Christianne plainly isn’t an option.

‘Just tell her it’ll be fine,’ I say. ‘Just tell her that.’

‘What will be fine? Am I allowed to ask?’

‘Of course. She’s coming up to town for a couple of days. My treat.’ I stare at him. ‘Have I said something funny?’

‘Not at all.’ He gestures vaguely towards what must be the bedroom. ‘I’ll let her know.’

‘That would be kind. Say hi from me, too. And tell her it’s been fun.’ I pause a moment. For the first time, I catch a waft or two of incense, maybe a joss stick, sweet, pungent. Or maybe, I think later, weed. Already, McFaul is stepping back inside, wanting this conversation to be over.

‘Take care.’ I hold my ground. ‘The pair of you.’