We went back to sipping coffee, hoping there would not be a repeat of this afternoon’s uncomfortable scene. I think we were all glad when Darcy came back in with Craig. They went over to the coffee tray but Stella intercepted. “It will be cold by now. I’ll have Maria make you some fresh.”

Darcy came to perch on the arm of my sofa, giving my shoulder a reassuring touch. Craig went over to the window. “Too cold for a swim tonight, I’m afraid,” he said. “The fog has come in.”

“Oh, I don’t know.” Belinda looked up at him. “I’m always game for a late-night swim.”

“Did you bring your costume?”

“No, but does it matter?” Her eyes flirted outrageously. I was always rather impressed and secretly envious of this skill.

“All right. Come on, then. What are we waiting for?” Craig held out his hand to her. “Anyone else care to join us?”

“Not me,” Mummy said. “Watching my nipples turn blue with cold is not my idea of fun.”

So off they went.

“What’s Cy doing now?” Mrs. Goldman demanded.

“I don’t know. I thought he was following us,” Darcy said.

“Probably playing with his new toys one more time.” She sniffed. “Just like a two-year-old. Pathetic. Well, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’m going up to bed. It’s been a long and tiring day.” She got up and headed for the stairs.

“Do you want me to come up with you, Helen, honey?” Barbara Kindell asked. “Are you okay?”

“I’ll be fine,” Helen Goldman said. “I should never have come. Stupid. Absolutely stupid.” And she stomped off, across the tiled foyer.

There was an awkward silence, then Ronnie and Darcy went off to talk in a corner, the latter glancing back at me as Charlie’s hand rested on my knee while he whispered something silly and rather risqué in my ear. I grinned at Darcy to let him know he didn’t need to worry. Maria arrived with more coffee and handed around cups.

“Where’s Juan?” Stella asked suddenly.

“He went to bed right after dinner,” Ronnie said. “I don’t blame him. It hasn’t been the easiest sort of day, has it?”

“I wonder if I should go and see if he’s all right. Give him some moral support,” Stella said. She started for the front door.

“Is that what you call it these days?” Mummy had a glint in her eye.

Suddenly there was an almighty crash. Coffee cups were hastily put down. We leaped up. “What was that?” Stella demanded. “It came from the direction of the library.”