‘Why must you sound so hostile?’

‘Get on with it, Arnold!’

‘Repeat myself, you mean, because you didn’t hear a word I said. Were you working when I rang?’

‘On the synopsis for my next book.’

‘And no doubt you went on doing so in your head. All right, I’ll forgive you.’

He wouldn’t, though, if he knew what Marianne’s thoughts had been, since he took himself and his views so seriously discussion with him was impossible.

‘I’m giving a dinner party at the Inn on the Park,’ he informed her, ‘and I need you to hostess it for me. Lyn has refused point blank. But her lack of co-operation is nothing new, I regret to say. My rise from small beginnings to where I now am owes nothing to my wife.’

‘I’m surprised that you actually remember whence you came,’ Marianne replied. ‘And has it never occurred to you that your wife also has a point of view? No, Arnold. I will not play hostess at your bloody dinner party! Ask your secretary to do it.’

‘That wouldn’t be suitable. And you might find it an enjoyable evening.’

‘I doubt it.’

‘Look – I don’t recall ever before asking you to do anything for me. And believe it or not there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.’

‘In that case, Arnold, I’ll make a bargain with you. I’ll play hostess if you’ll include Matthew and Pete in your guest list.’ As good a get-out as any.

‘Are you out of your mind, Marianne? Some of my parliamentary colleagues will be there. Also a couple of important industrialists. And I’m thinking of inviting an American I’m told is the best in the game when it comes to ghosting memoirs. I’d like your opinion of him, for when the time comes.’

‘I’m relieved you’re not thinking of commissioning me! Why are you giving this dinner party?’ Marianne inquired.

‘It’s one of the things that from time to time it’s necessary for me to do.’

‘But the bargain I’m prepared to make with you remains the only way you’ll get me in on the act.’

Arnold said after a pause, ‘Since it’s more than likely that my son and his friend will be touring a play, I think I can safely take the risk.’

Marianne had lost her gamble, and if her brother lost his… Matthew was unlikely to turn down an invitation from the father whose respect he longed for but had never won. If he let himself view it as the hand of friendship, what a disappointment he’d be in for.

What have I done? Marianne was chiding herself when Arnold asked her to get her diary to check some possible dates.