“You’re younger than I expected,” he said. “And you’re wearing more clothes too.”

“I assure you I’m old enough to be a perfect companion for you,” I said. “I’m educated and well traveled.”

He smirked. “I’m not planning to quiz you on your knowledge of geography.” Then he became aware that we were both still standing. “I suppose you’d like a drink before we go?” he said.

“That would be nice. I’d like champagne if they have it.” I took a seat at the table.

“Bloody ’ell,” he muttered. “You London girls certainly have expensive tastes.” I noticed that he had a beer in front of him. He beckoned to a waiter and a bottle of champagne was brought to the table.

“I hope you’ll join me,” I said, feeling embarrassed now that he’d had to buy a whole bottle when all I’d wanted was a glass.

“Why not? Help us both to loosen up, won’t it?” he said and gave me a wink.

The bottle was opened with a satisfying pop. Two glasses were poured. I took a sip then held up my glass to him. “Cheers,” I said. “Here’s to a lovely evening for both of us.”

I noticed he swallowed hard. In fact it almost looked as if he was sweating. “So I expect you want paying up front, do you?”

“Oh, I don’t think that will be necessary,” I said. “But I shall expect cash at the end of the evening.”

“So what’s the plan then? Do we go back to my hotel, or do you have a place where you take clients nearby? I know I should have asked on the telephone but this was all rather last minute, wasn’t it? In fact I’d never have thought of it if I hadn’t seen your advert this morning. I don’t usually do this sort of thing.”

I was just trying to digest what he had said when the music picked up in tempo. There were whoops and catcalls coming from the front of the room. I looked up at the stage. The girl was still dancing, but I was suddenly aware that she wore almost no clothing. As I stared in fascinated horror, she opened an ostrich feather fan which she held in front of her, then, to a final drum roll, she produced her brassiere and tossed it into the front rows of the audience.

Suddenly the penny dropped. My hotel or your place?

“Wait,” I said. “What were you expecting from me?”

“Only the usual, darling,” he said. “Same as you do with all the men. Nothing too kinky.”

“I think there must be some mistake,” I said. “We are a respectable escort service. We provide girls as dinner companions, theater companions, not the sort of thing you obviously have in mind.”