‘Thrilled – the people were just thrilled, Daniel. But I really outdid myself that night. It’s too bad you weren’t there, by the way.’

‘Yes, too bad. I’ll come for the next one – certainly by the time I’m finished with your new violin. I promise.’

Aurora wrinkles her nose, which looks very interesting. ‘Hmm, I get the feeling that you’ll come on account of the violin, and not because of me.’

‘Come on, that’s silly, Aurora. You know very well how much I enjoy hearing you play. I’ve just been too busy lately.’

‘You mean you’re too busy taking care of your partner, right?’

‘With all due respect, that is none of your business.’

Daniel now sounds a little angry. That’s good!

‘But I am right! Since Caroline got rid of that Thomas, everything’s been going haywire over here. I can hardly get you on the phone, it’s virtually impossible to make appointments with you…not that I’m knocking romantic stuff, but you have a workshop to run, not a rehab centre for broken hearts.’

‘Aurora, we’ve known each other for five years now. Have I ever done bad work for you?’

‘No, that’s not what I—’

‘Well, there you have it. And has Caroline ever done bad work for you?’

‘You just don’t want to understand me – what I wanted to say is only—’

‘That you feel neglected. Yes, I get that.’

‘Daniel!’ Aurora’s voice takes on a weepy undertone. ‘Don’t be angry with me. I’m just a little disappointed that we see so little of each other these days, that’s all. I thought you were interested in my art.’

Oh, how I wish I could roll my eyes! Even without Mr Beck’s professional judgement, I realize that Aurora is not really talking about Daniel’s interest in her art. But Daniel is apparently choosing to ignore this remark; in any case, he suddenly switches gear and tries to smooth things over.

‘Let’s not fight. I solemnly swear that I’ll come to your next concert, with or without the new violin.’

Instantly, Aurora begins to beam at him like a kid. Hmm, I wonder if that goes down well with human men. As a dachshund, I find it extremely silly.

‘Oh, thank you, Daniel! That means so much to me! And in case that doesn’t work out again, in the autumn I’ll be looking for someone to accompany me on my next concert tour. It’ll be in Italy, and while I’m there, I want to look at a couple of violins that I’ve been offered. What do you think?’

‘Well, you did just buy a masterpiece. Besides, I can’t leave the workshop alone for such a long time.’

‘I can see that you don’t want to say yes right away. But I won’t accept a no now either. I’d rather wait a while.’ She pats his arm. ‘So, off I go. I have quite a lot on my plate.’