“It’s easy to criticize the job I do, but most people never have to make the moral decisions I take as a way of life. And whatever they may think, few of them would make a better job of it than me. I could have a go at you about the antifeminist slant of your telly scripts. But that’s none of my business because I don’t know the pressures on you. Until you understand the pressures on me, don’t knock me.”

Cordelia looked stunned by the onslaught. “I didn’t realize you were so sensitive about it,” she said huffily. Conversation died there. They both pretended to watch television, each reluctant to bridge the gap and swallow her pride. Eventually Lindsay rose and poured a drink. “I’m taking this up to bed with me,” she announced. “I feel like flopping with a good book and trying to forget the day I’ve had.”

“Okay. Listen, Lindsay—I may not get much chance to talk to you tomorrow because I’ll probably be off about nine. I haven’t forgotten that meal I promised you. So when are you likely to be in London next?”

Lindsay shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve no firm plans. It’s hard for me to take a weekend off because Sundays especially are good days for me and I can’t really afford to turn down work at the moment. But I’d like to come down soon and see some magazine editors—I give myself till the end of the month to get organized. That’ll probably be in the middle of the week.”

“That’s no problem for me. I can easily arrange my work schedule to fit round your visit. Do you have somewhere to stay?”

“I’ve got friends in Kentish Town I usually stay with.”

“Well, if you’re stuck, you’re welcome to stop over at my place. I’ve got plenty of room and it’s good to have company.”

“Thanks,” Lindsay said shyly. “I might take you up on that.” There was an awkward pause. “Well. Goodnight, Cordelia.”

“Goodnight. Sleep well.”

In the morning, Lindsay again breakfasted with Pamela Overton. She was nervous about the encounter, having risen early and made a trip into Buxton in Paddy’s Land Rover to pick up a full set of the morning papers. Most of the tabloids, being a little short on alternative tales of shocking horror, had gone to town on Death at Derbyshire House. But Lindsay was put at her ease at once by Pamela Overton’s praise for her efficient and unobtrusive work.