‘I most certainly did. We always safeguard our guests’ property. That’s why I insisted on taking an inventory of everything Sir Roger had brought with him. It’s not that I don’t trust the Runners but … one cannot be too careful.’

‘A glance at that inventory will save me the trouble of looking at the room,’ said Paul. ‘It’s not only personal interest that’s brought me here. I’m acting on behalf of someone who travelled from Nottingham with Sir Roger Mellanby and who is even now on his way to convey the sad tidings to his family.’

‘He’s stayed here on many occasions and there has never been a whiff of trouble. Sir Roger has been a perfect guest – except for one small blemish.’

‘Oh – and what was that?’

‘He spurned the greatest treat we have to offer.’

Paul grinned. ‘You’re talking about the dining room.’

‘Jacquiers is the finest chef in the whole of London,’ insisted Treen. ‘Before he came to this country, he was in royal service. French cuisine is incomparable and Jacquiers is the absolute master of it.’

‘I agree. I’ve always enjoyed superb food here.’

‘So why did Sir Roger plan to eat elsewhere both last night and this evening?’

‘He had his reasons, I daresay.’

‘They died with him, alas. However,’ said Treen, taking him by the elbow, ‘you asked to see that inventory. Let’s go to my office …’

A long sleep had revived Hannah Granville. Since she liked to get to the theatre hours before a performance was due, she took a cab late that afternoon. The journey gave her time to reflect on what had happened the previous day. A murder had taken place outside the stage door. Immediately afterwards, the Prince Regent had suddenly arrived in her dressing room to pay homage and plant a moist kiss on her hand. He’d made it plain that he desired much closer contact than that and – had Paul not spirited her away – some kind of invitation might well have been offered. Repulsive as she’d found the man, she was unsure whether it would be wise to refuse a royal summons. Whatever happened, she resolved to be on guard and to avoid situations from which even Paul might be unable to rescue her.

Arriving at the theatre, she was relieved to discover that there was no missive from the palace and no lavish gifts awaiting her in the dressing room. Hannah dared to hope that the Prince Regent had already forgotten her and gone off in pursuit of other possible conquests. Moments later, Jenny Pye came into the room to help begin the long process of turning her into Lady Macbeth again.

‘After what happened last night,’ Jenny began, ‘I feared that you might not wish to come back this evening.’

‘I could never let an audience down,’ said Hannah, piously. ‘Besides, nothing would have prevented me from fulfilling my contractual obligations.’