‘Then let me ask you one last question,’ said Peter. ‘Sir Roger was murdered some days ago. When are you going to start mourning him?’

Refusing to answer, Mellanby swept out of the room.

Challenged by his wife, Hugh Denley got into such a state of indignation that she felt she had to calm him down. She ordered tea and one of the servants soon came in with a tray. Denley’s ire slowly began to recede. He watched his wife pouring the tea and felt a surge of regret.

‘You don’t have to live like this, Kitty.’

‘It’s only until I buy a more suitable property in Dorset.’

‘Dorset?’ he repeated. ‘I assumed that you’d be staying in London.’

‘I’ve always wanted to live on the south coast.’

‘You’d be bored to death in a matter of weeks. Dorset is a backwater. This is where things happen.’

‘Yes,’ she said, ‘things like an unnecessary duel that could have cost you your life. I want to be in a place far away from here where I don’t have to put up with your insane jealousy. I’m the innocent party in all this, Hugh, and I’m fed up with being made to feel guilty.’

‘I did apologise.’

‘Your apologies always come far too late.’

‘Will I be allowed to visit you?’

‘What’s the point? We have nothing to say to each other.’

‘We’re still married, Kitty.’

‘Not in any real sense of the word.’

‘Do you hate me so much?’ he asked.

‘I’ve just accepted that a phase of my life has ended. It wasn’t something that I sought but I have to adjust to it. My parents used to take me to Dorset on holiday. I love the seaside. I’m sure that I can find a new life there. Apart from anything else,’ she added, ‘it will put me out of reach of those friends of yours who seem to feel that I’m available to satisfy their desires.’

‘I’m ashamed to have put you in that position.’

‘At least you recognise that it was your fault. That’s progress.’

He sipped his tea. ‘Thank you for this. I needed it.’

‘When you’ve finished it, I’d like you to leave.’

‘But I came here to talk.’

‘We’ve talked more than enough.’

‘I have something else to say.’

‘Then please say it and be on your way.’

Denley was hurt. ‘Why are you being so hostile towards me?’

‘I believe that I’ve been quite polite.’