Gerald is hosting the evening, but it is Ralph who will fill the room with effortless charisma. He may well become prime minister one day, Isabel realises. Her stomach somersaults at the prospect, and her heart bursts with pride even now, before it has happened. She tries to contain her excitement and smiles up at her daughter’s fiancé. Ralph, charming as always, bends down to greet her by kissing her hand and remarks on the elegance of her gown.

‘Something new, Isabel, yes? That colour suits you perfectly. Salmon, does one call it? Apricot?’ He does not pause long enough to allow her to respond, but turns to Gerald. ‘Now, tell me, have I beaten Scotland Yard this evening?’ He pulls out his pocket watch in a theatrical fashion and consults it. ‘I shall enjoy teasing the inspector about his timekeeping.’

Harriet, at his side, laughs heartily, sharing some sort of private joke to which Isabel is not party. Isabel stares at her, a frown deepening on her forehead.

The doorbell rings again.

‘It sounds as though the inspector is only a little way behind you, Ralph,’ Gerald says. ‘And perfectly on time, given that you were early. You’re growing far too familiar.’ Gerald is enjoying the joke, even if Isabel is struggling to understand what is quite so amusing. She continues to stare at her daughter, who has joined Ralph and Gerald in welcoming the MacKenzies.

Harriet’s dress is made of a lightweight turquoise fabric that shimmers and clings to the curves of her body. It is so sheer that Isabel can discern every part of her and – Dear God – she is revealing her ankles in an evening gown. No wonder she didn’t appear downstairs before the guests arrived; Isabel would have instructed her to return to her room and change. Indeed, she would not have allowed her daughter to buy such a vulgar creation in the first place. Ralph has an arm around Harriet’s waist, his hand resting lightly on her hip. Isabel turns away as she notices and makes a point of asking Hanson to pour drinks before moving to greet Mary MacKenzie. Thank goodness they will be sitting down at the table soon and the outfit will be mostly hidden.