Fran laughed. ‘I only met him at the beginning of the week! And I’ve only had one date and tonight’s the second, this is real life you know, not the movies! He sort of kissed me, after the dinner, but not a real kiss, certainly not anything else... I think he’s married, he’s certainly been married, talks of a son, but I’m not sure that he is now but that might just be wishful thinking. I... God Emmy I forget until it happens again, oh I’d like a partner, someone to be with.’ For once she forgot that Emmy Lou had been without a partner longer than she had, but Emmy Lou seemed only pleased.

They chattered on, talked about Harry whom they’d rung in Morocco and his wonderful news, about the stabbing and Terence’s critical condition, arranged to send flowers to the hospital; talked about the play again, talked about Milton again, sharing their lives as they’d always done, until Emmy Lou noticed the time.

‘Heavens, I’ve got to work on my lines, I’ve got to be in early in the morning, we’re rehearsing Sundays as well. Franny you will come to the opening night won’t you, I need you there.’

‘Well I’m coming of course O ye of little faith, I’ve already booked. I booked as soon as you got the job and told them I was only coming because my favourite actress was in it, I booked four tickets, Harry’ll be back from Morocco and he might want to bring Michael if he’s well enough, and my Swiss and me. Of course I’ll be there.’

‘Thanks Franny, I’ve spent a fortune writing to everyone, casting directors, directors – you know – asking them to come, but I expect it’ll just be my friends, like you. Good luck with your sexy Swiss.’

‘Wouldn’t it be wonderful if he could take me away from all this!’

‘All what in particular?’

‘Well mainly British Telecom.’

They both laughed.

*

And Pauline Bonham waited up, that Saturday night after the garden party, for her husband to come home from Stratford-upon-Avon.