‘What did he say to her?’ Archie asked Marlene under his breath.

‘He told her to telephone at once if she needs anything. He said he will be waiting just across the water.’ They watched as the Mercedes turned and drove back along the causeway, which was now partially covered by the incoming tide. The actress turned to Hilaria. ‘Perhaps you would be kind enough to show me to my room.’

It wasn’t a request, even if her hostess had been inclined to suggest an alternative. Fielding stayed behind in the village to take more photographs, and Hilaria set off up the steep path to the east door. In the entrance hall – with a certain amount of relief, Archie thought – she handed Marlene and Barbara over to the care of two waiting housemaids. ‘Could that have been more awkward?’ she asked, when she and Archie were finally on their own.

‘Not really. I hope you haven’t put them in adjacent rooms.’

‘Mercifully no, but there are still plenty of opportunities for them to clash at meal times. Poor Arthur. As if that girl hasn’t caused him enough worry already. Thank God her mother’s not alive to see it.’ 96

‘At least her friend didn’t stay, and any animosity between Barbara and Marlene will be diluted in a larger group. We’ll do our best to keep them apart, and if all else fails, just think of the money you’re raising.’

She sighed. ‘Even that isn’t turning out quite as I expected. The Lancasters’ cheque was returned to me in the post this morning, so what do I do about that? I can hardly throw them off the island now they’re here.’

‘Have you said anything to them?’

‘No. They were on the same train as your friends, so I haven’t even met them. I’ve been hoping for the right moment, but, as you can imagine, it hasn’t arisen yet. And now we’ve the German question. Thank God for Richard and Angela, although she’s hardly herself, poor woman. And you, of course. Thank you for coming, Archie. More than ever now.’

‘Why? What’s happened?’ he asked, concerned to see her so anxious. ‘What did you want to talk to me about?’

‘It’s best if I show you. Come with me.’

Intrigued, he followed her up a spiral granite staircase and along a series of passages which led away from the east wing and into the main body of the house. The castle’s geography was confusing, built as it was on different levels and linked by numerous corridors that twisted this way and that, doubling back on themselves until he lost all sense of direction. There were steps up and down where they were least expected, and he stumbled a couple of times in the fading light as he tried to keep up with his guide. Eventually, they reached the Long Passage that ran parallel with the church, its walls lined with portraits of the St Aubyn family. He was struck by a magnificent oil painting of Hilaria’s stepmother, who had 97died earlier that year. ‘How is Lord St Levan?’ he asked. ‘I’m sorry he won’t be with us for Christmas.’