‘I worked in the City. I had my own company with a partner and we specialised in buying ailing businesses, turning them round to become highly profitable outfits and then selling them again. We worked very hard but we made an indecent amount of money – by some people’s standards. But the accident has only served to endorse a decision I was already contemplating – to sell the company. We’d received a very good offer for it and I wanted to give up the rat race of London, move to the country, raise a family – and try my hand at writing. My girlfriend saw things differently. We had a terrible row and we said some unforgivable things to each other, but what happened after that was in no way her fault. I should never have driven in the state I was in.’

‘Does she feel terribly guilty about it now?’ asked Catherine. ‘Not about the actual accident, I mean, but for her part in the row. It takes two to have a major quarrel.’

Christopher shook his head emphatically. ‘I don’t think she feels guilty at all. I think she was always very clear that I was entirely to blame . . . and she’s absolutely right.’

‘Are you still together?’ Catherine had been conscious of the undercurrent of attraction between Louisa and Christopher and also, she thought, though this was much less easy to pick up, of Marnie’s less obvious responsiveness to Christopher. She thought she might be the only person to have noticed this, and couldn’t help wondering if it spelt further rejection in Marnie’s life. If I were twenty years younger, thought Catherine, I would be responding to Christopher too.

‘No, we’re not together any more,’ said Christopher. ‘She broke it off.’ After a moment he added with a not very convincing attempt at lightness: ‘She’s probably well shot of me. It turns out that we don’t want the same things out of life. I think that’s been a shock to us both.’

‘Did she come and visit you in prison?’ Catherine asked curiously.

‘No – no, she didn’t do that. Can’t say I blame her,’ said Christopher but Catherine could tell she had touched on a nerve. ‘Look – about this book . . .’ he said rather awkwardly after an uncomfortable little silence. ‘I’m so cheered by your encouragement, but what do you think I should do next?’