Show him such a good time that he’d forget his little student. Judy was inventive, in and out of bed: surprising him half-naked in his office, in the back of the stretch limo, skinny-dipping in the lake. And then cramming his nights with the finest Paris had to offer. The best new restaurants, the hottest exhibitions, the finest shows . . . She’d have dragged him to Disneyland Paris if she thought it’d do her any good. As it was, there had been that day trip shopping in Rome, and the private jet that took them to dinner in Gibraltar. . . .

And it was working. Judy gave him such a dizzying array of outings, sex, food, even her own clothes—every day she was a new woman. Like goddamn Madonna. Age should not wither her infinite variety, not if Judy could help it. She was rising at six, before him, each day, and exercising like a maniac.

If there had been a repeat of the disastrous Polly phone call, Judy hadn’t heard it. And even Katherine was less of a thorn in her side, because Tom and Judy were never at the château. Let her dine alone in the dower house, the old witch, and leave Judy be. She could have her ancient butler for company.

But . . . it sure was exhausting.

For a moment Judy felt an overpowering sense of weariness. Maybe if she took just one night off.

She dialled Tom’s mobile.

“Ici Thomas,” he said. It struck Judy, briefly, that she felt no thrill of happiness on hearing his voice. Not like Pierre.

“Honey, I’m so sorry. Got to cancel on our date tonight.”

“Why, what’s up?”

He didn’t sound too upset. Judy wasn’t sure if that was a good thing for her or a bad one.

“A combination of factors—work, and I think I’m just feeling a little burnt out. You know? I was thinking of going for a drink with some of the girls”—that was a joke, they all hated her—“maybe getting a massage. Do you mind terribly?”

“Not at all. You have fun. I’ll see you later.”

“What are you going to do tonight?”

There was that reedy note in her voice; damn it, she hated to sound whiny.

“I don’t know.” Tom spoke carelessly. “Maybe read a book. Call some mates from college. I’ve been losing touch with my old friends, it’ll be good to catch up.”

Judy’s stomach churned. She wished she hadn’t asked.

“I think that’s a great idea!” she said merrily. “Just make sure you get enough rest. You’re gonna need all your energy later.”

He chuckled. “You’re insatiable.”

“Always,” she said.