“Much better,” said Swann when they came to the end of the act. “That will do for today. Tomorrow, I want to start with the Banquo’s ghost scene. Rick, you must remember that Macbeth is the only person in the room who can see the ghost. Your guests at the dinner are fearful about what’s troubling you, some even think you’re losing your mind. And, Sarah, you’re trying to convince those same guests that all is well, and despite your husband’s strange behavior there’s nothing for them to worry about. And whatever you do, don’t ever look at the ghost, because if you should, even once, the spell will be broken. I’ll see you all at the same time tomorrow, and be sure you know your lines by then. After Monday, we abandon scripts.”

A groan went up as the actors left the stage and became school children once again, picking up their satchels and books and making their way out of the hall. It amused Seb to see Lady Macbeth clutching Banquo’s hand. No wonder Mr. Swann had told Sarah not to look at him during the ghost scene. Shrewd man.

Mr. Swann didn’t turn off the stage lights until he had all the props in place for the banquet scene. He then picked up his well-thumbed script, put in his old Gladstone bag, and headed slowly toward the door. At first he didn’t notice that someone was sitting at the back of the room, and he wasn’t able to hide his surprise when he saw who it was.

“We’re not doing Othello this year,” he said. “But if we were, I wouldn’t have to look far to cast Iago.”

“No, Mr. Swann, it’s Prince Hal you see before you, come on bended knee to beg forgiveness of the King, having made a dreadful mistake from which he may never recover.”

The old man stood still as Sebastian took out his wallet, extracted a check, and handed it over.

“But this is far more than we agreed on,” the former headmaster said, fumbling for words.

“Not if you still want those new dressing rooms, a proper curtain, and not to have to be satisfied with last year’s costumes.”

“Not to mention a separate changing room for the girls from Shifnal High,” said Swann. “But may I ask what you meant, Mr. Clifton, when you said you had made a dreadful mistake from which you may never recover?”

“It’s a long story,” said Seb, “and I’ll not bore you—”

“I’m an old man with time on my hands,” said Swann, sitting down opposite Seb.

Sebastian told Mr. Swann how he’d first seen Samantha at Jessica’s graduation ceremony and been struck dumb.

“I can’t imagine that happens to you too often,” said Swann with a smile.