‘Oh, hell! I left mine in our room when I was talking to the car yard. Why? Do you need something?’

‘I was just hoping Cynthia would get tired and want to go back to Perth. We could have phoned for a limousine to take her there in style. I wouldn’t complain at all about the extravagance of that.’

They looked at one another and burst out laughing. As before, the block was working its magic on them.

But would that continue once Cynthia returned?

Megan found that she had underestimated Cynthia’s sticking power. When the latter returned at dusk, the Land Cruiser was loaded with booze and parcels. Cynthia emerged from it wearing a new outfit – pale blue jeans and designer sneakers.

‘I’ve been into Bunbury,’ she announced. ‘There aren’t any good shops there, but I did manage to find a few things I needed. Do you like my country gear?’ She paraded in front of Ben, her breasts thrusting against the sweater and her bottom undulating.

‘You look lovely, as always.’ But his glance didn’t linger on her.

‘Dark blue or black jeans might have been more practical,’ Megan said. ‘Those will show the dirt.’

Cynthia pouted. ‘Oh, practical! Who cares about that? Anyway, I’ve bought several pairs, so it won’t matter. I can have them laundered when we get back.’ She draped herself over the couch. ‘Make me a martini, will you, Ben? The booze is in that box you just carried in. Shopping’s made me thirsty.’

With great reluctance, Megan pulled out one of her brand new highball glasses and plonked it down in front of her husband.

‘Now, darlings, did my bed arrive, or am I sleeping on the floor?’ From the glitter in Cynthia’s eyes, Megan was beginning to wonder if she had had a drink or two while she was out.

‘Yes, it arrived. I’ve made it up for you.’

‘Such a gracious hostess!’ Cynthia murmured softly, one eye on Ben. ‘I know exactly how pleased you are to have me here, Megan.’

She decided on equal frankness. ‘Why the hell did you come, then?’

‘I thought it might be interesting. Such fun to see you squirm. You won’t keep him, you know. You’re just a novelty. A man like that prefers sophisticated women.’ She raised her voice, ‘Ah, thank you, Ben! You always remember exactly how I like it.’ Her voice was husky with other meanings.

Megan got up, sickened to see that woman blatantly flirting with her husband in her own home and itching to respond. ‘I need a cup of coffee. What about you, Ben?’

‘That’d be lovely.’