‘What’s it like to be back in the old place, Estelle?’

‘I love it. Those years were the most exciting of my life.’

‘I bet they were. From what little I know of him, Sir Harry was a hard man to work for.’

‘He was sweet really. I just think that when he took over here times were different. It was more paternalistic. Oh, I met Charlotte Stammers today. Sir Harry would have had a fit. But what a lovely girl.’

‘I’m proud to say I had a hand in her appointment. By the way, Julian and I are not going to the States until next week now. I hear you are seeing Amanda tomorrow. Good luck, she scares the pants off me.’

‘Do you know what she wants to ask me?’

‘No idea. Have you noticed that we work for her, rather than the other way round? Anyway, lovely to have you back.’

He swings lightly off the desk.

Estelle goes back to her sister Kay’s little house in Queen’s Park. It’s a doll’s house, one of many, all contained within a few blocks, all just a little different. But strange and surprising, like finding a series of woodcutters’ cottages in the middle of London. Her sister was married to a butcher who died at the age of fifty-one of a heart attack; she has lived alone for twenty years. Nothing ever changes in the house. Estelle can see just how tacky and tasteless it is. Her sister is sitting in front of the television. It seems she doesn’t distinguish fully between real life and television shows these days. And who can blame her? The television is a lot brighter and livelier than real life, as she lives it. She’s very strong in her opinions on television presenters and the characters in soaps.

As Estelle enters, she says, ‘Look at this, the little rascal’s only gone and nicked her bike. It was a new one and all.’

Estelle doesn’t know who she is talking about and hopes not to find out.

‘Kay, I brought some things for our supper on the way home.’

She knows her sister refers to the evening meal as tea, but she can’t bear to say it after her years of close association with Harry.

‘Oh that’s lovely, you are a darling. Just let me finish this and I’ll help you lay up.’

Estelle has always suffered for being competent: people take advantage of her. Even here in these gloomy and mean surroundings. Kay shows no interest in her day, but wants to talk about a new dance competition. She fancies an ex-cricketer to win. She never looks up from the screen, and is chuckling away as Estelle lays out the supper.