“Well, at least this time, major, you’ll be chairman of a company that doesn’t have a board, or anyone else you have to answer to. You can start with a blank sheet of paper and set your own ground rules.”

“Possibly. But you will have noticed that the company’s shares collapsed yesterday following Bingham’s press statement.”

“What statement?” said Virginia.

Fisher picked up a copy of the Times from the coffee table and turned to the lead story in the business section. Virginia stared at a photograph of Bob shaking hands with some members of the factory staff following his farewell speech, then carefully read his statement: “Of course I’m sad to be leaving the company my grandfather founded in 1857, especially after serving as its chairman for the past twenty-three years. But I have no fear for the future of Bingham’s while it’s in the capable hands of my former wife, Priscilla. I hope everyone will continue to support her, as they have always supported me. However, it’s time for me to retire to my beautiful home in the South of France and enjoy a well-earned rest.”

“I don’t believe a word of it,” said Virginia. “So the sooner you get yourself off to Grimsby, the better, major. It’s going to take all your skills and experience as an army officer to keep those people in their place.”

*   *   *

When Clive drove his father to Heathrow later that evening, he couldn’t get a word out of him.

“What’s the problem, Dad?” he asked eventually.

“Some of the staff were in tears when I left. People I’ve worked with for over twenty years. It took all my willpower not to roll up my sleeves and start loading the lorries.”

“I understand how you feel, Dad, but believe me, you’ve made the right decision.”

“I hope so,” said Bob, as they came to a halt outside the terminal.

“And don’t forget, if you spot a photographer, just smile and look relaxed. We don’t want the press thinking you’re unhappy, because then Lady Virginia will work out exactly what we’re up to.”

“I’ll bet she already has.”

“Dad, we can beat her, as long as you don’t lose your nerve.”

“Please make my imprisonment as short as possible,” he pleaded after he’d checked his one bag in and given his son a hug.

“I’ll phone every day,” said Clive, “and bring you up to date with everything that’s going on at this end.”

“And keep an eye on your mother. It’s going to come as a dreadful shock when she meets up with the real Virginia for the first time.”

*   *   *

By the time the major stepped on to the platform at Grimsby station, he knew exactly what needed to be done. His plan was foolproof, and his strategy honed to the finest detail.