‘Harriet, you’re being ridiculous!’ Isabel is on the verge of shouting, held back only by a lifetime of frigid decorum. ‘This is Ralph Christie you’re talking about. We know Ralph. He’s devoted to you. To us. In light of your recent behaviour, he will prove your salvation. A steady influence, as your father says.’

‘You don’t know anything, Mummy. You may think that you do, but you do not. I didn’t, but I do now. And the Ralph I have discovered is not a man I wish to marry.’

‘Harriet, you’re talking utter nonsense. I don’t know where you’ve had your information, but –’

‘I cannot marry him.’

The silence that greets this declaration is so thick that Harriet can hardly breathe.

It is broken by Gerald, clearing his throat and straightening his knife and fork on the plate. He looks thoughtfully at his daughter.

‘Well, I suppose that the only way to sort this out is for me to speak directly with Ralph. No, Isabel, I shall talk to him.’ He raises a hand to quieten her. ‘I shall ask him about his – friendships and discover if there is anything that might prevent my daughter’s happiness. I do believe him to be an honourable man, but… If Harriet has concerns, then I must ask.’ He returns his gaze to Harriet. ‘You should know, my dear child, that a man – any man – and especially one who has been abroad, might have a history. That doesn’t mean he won’t make a good husband in the future.’

Harriet stands, picks at her skirt, tries to remain calm. She speaks in a low voice to her father.

‘I don’t care if he has a history, as you put it. I’m not naïve. I work in an office full of men, and I do, despite your efforts, have some understanding of the ways of the world. But I do care that he has been to bed with a woman he met in a nightclub while he is engaged to me. Two nights ago.’

Isabel draws a sharp breath and puts a hand to her mouth.

‘You may speak with him, Daddy, as you wish. But I doubt you will change my mind, whatever excuses he gives. I am sorry that I have disappointed you, but you have given me little opportunity to explain myself. I did not mean to steal those bead necklaces, nor to walk out of Selfridges without paying for them. I was distracted, distressed, because I had just learned about Ralph.’

She walks out of the room and directly upstairs. She decides that she will not cry any more.

Isabel follows her swiftly into the bedroom and closes the door behind her. Harriet can’t decide whether she sees shock or fury in her mother’s eyes.