The consultant’s interim report – full report to come – sent from his Blackberry, says that there has been significant deterioration. His father may also have developed a clot that could require the removal of a kidney. He needs a scan.

Julian calls Estelle who answers with that receptionist’s voice, obliging but dutiful, the vowels a little over-articulated as though she is speaking to the mentally impaired.

‘Estelle, hi, it’s Julian here.’

‘Hello, Mr Trevelyan-Tubal.’

‘Julian is OK with me, Stel. How’s Dad?’

‘Did you get the consultant’s report?’

‘Yes.’

‘He wouldn’t tell me anything, except to say that he seems to be deteriorating.’

‘How does he seem to you? You’re closest.’

‘He seems fine. I mean he’s happy. He’s enjoying the sun. Lady Trevelyan-Tubal is here and she is with him now. They’re sitting in the garden.’

‘Oh, when did she come?’

‘She came last night. Do you want to speak to her?’

‘No, not at this moment. Give her and my father my love. You haven’t told him the yacht is sold, I hope?’

‘No, no, I haven’t.’

‘From what I have in front of me, it looks as though my father may need an operation but I think I should speak to Mr Abbott tomorrow. Tell Bryce that the boat is now officially sold and Boris Vladykin’s crew will take possession some time next week. They want Bryce as skipper, but that’s up to him, of course. And tell Bryce I think he should do it until the end of the summer anyway. I will call him if I can. I am coming down with Kim and the children at Easter. We’ll stay in the guest house. I don’t want Dad to be disturbed. OK? Speak soon, and don’t forget to give Dad and Fleur my love, as I said.’

‘I won’t.’

‘Oh Stel, the children are looking forward to seeing you.’

‘Bye, Julian, thank you.’

He wonders if she resents Fleur turning up. He’s not going to take his brother’s tip-off about Fleur too seriously. He knows what is in the will: she will have more than enough and she can do what she likes with her money. He stares out of the window at the parterre and the globules of water emerging from Pan’s pipe to fall on the water, where briefly they bounce and explode. Pan has the legs of a goat. The marriage between the goatish legs and the human torso is not a good one.

Jade rings up to tell him his visitor has arrived. She says her name is Anne Porter.

‘Show her up, Jade.’

‘Yes, sir.’