‘Sir Harry died peacefully on Saturday morning about 3.30 a.m. We, the family, are devastated, and I know already that you are too. My wife and I and Lady Trevelyan-Tubal are very grateful for all the messages you have sent us. My father, as I am sure those of you who knew him don’t need reminding, was not an easy man, but he had a passion for this place and a devotion to the staff. He impressed on me from a very early age just how important it was that the bank should run not solely to make money, but to make a contribution to society. And we have always tried to follow his example of probity and prudence. His motto, often repeated, was “Loans one third, assets two thirds”. In a sense we are all standing on the shoulders of a giant. The funeral will be across the road at All Hallows next Monday. All Hallows has been the bank’s and the family’s church since my ancestors converted. Incidentally, my grandfather played an active part in its restoration after the war, when the chancel was destroyed by a Luftwaffe bomb. The bank will be closed all day as a mark of respect, except for the dealing floor and the IT department. All staff are welcome to come to the service, or to take the day off in private memory of my father. Drinks and refreshments will be provided here after the service. Thank you very much, once again. I feel Sir Harry’s death is not just the family’s loss, but a loss for every one of you. Now, as my father would undoubtedly have said, it’s noses to the grindstone.’

What a lot of tosh. Hypocritical crap. He walks up the directors’ staircase with Nigel.

‘Great speech. Spot on.’

‘Thanks.’

They are passing a thirties portrait of a great-uncle in tennis kit, long white trousers and a cricket sweater, holding a wooden racket.

‘Jules, we need some coaching. That’s twice in two weeks we have lost.’

‘Maybe they are better than us.’

‘That can’t be possible. Never.’

‘I played like a drain.’

‘No, you weren’t at your dashing best, but under the circumstances how could you be?’

Julian hasn’t been sleeping. He’s been taking sleeping pills. He’s blamed it on his father’s death, but the fact is that he is nervous about the FSA probing and the deal with Cy. Nigel is far cooler.