‘No, he’s not, he’s here. Morning, my lovelies.’ Leo Faraday came through the side door, bringing a gust of the cool morning air with him. He was dressed in a wide-lapelled grey suit, a crisp white shirt and a blue patterned tie. His hair had been slicked back, the usual dark-red quiff smoothed over. ‘And yes, before you feel duty-bound to point it out, I do look extremely smart today and yes, I do have a meeting. Juliet, breakfast smells delicious. Miranda, what is that black stuff around your eyes; you look like a lady of the night. Eliza, have you been for a run already? Sadie, pick up your boots, would you? What’s up with you, Clementine? You look like a wet dishrag.’

‘She’s got a stomach bug,’ Juliet said.

‘Poor chicken.’ His concerned words rang false. He was smiling from ear to ear.

Juliet passed across the blue cup and saucer. ‘Everything all right, Dad? What’s going on out there?’

‘Good things, Juliet. Interesting things. Unusual things.’

‘In your mind, or in reality?’ Miranda asked.

‘We hardly see you any more, Dad,’ Sadie complained.

Leo put down his cup and rubbed his hands together. ‘Something hot is a-cooking out there, my girls. Something is nearly at boiling point. This time I really think —’

‘Good heavens, is that the time?’ Miranda said in an overly dramatic tone. They’d all had too many years of his invention talk. The revolutionary motor oil that put their old car off the road for three months. The device designed to repel spiders that had done exactly the opposite. The electronic rain gauge that burst into flames on its first test run. ‘I’d better finish getting ready or I’ll be late.’

Clementine stood up, clutching the facecloth to her lips, and ran to the bathroom again. They all heard the door slam.

‘My word, she’s a sensitive soul,’ Miranda remarked, looking after her. ‘Clemmie, it’s all right, I’ll be back after work.’

Clementine returneda few minutes later, palefaced. ‘Sorry.’

‘Have you been sick again?’ At Clementine’s nod, Juliet felt her sister’s forehead once more. ‘Are you sure you’re okay?’

Leo felt her forehead too. ‘You’re not hot, but you are a bit clammy.’

‘Clemmie’s clammy,’ Sadie said.

Miranda gave a bark of laughter. Sadie looked pleased. She liked making Miranda laugh.

‘Have you eaten anything unusual?’ Leo asked. ‘It’s not food poisoning, is it?’

‘No, I’m sure it’s not.’

‘Too many late nights, that’s what it is,’ Sadie said. ‘The sooner that romance – oh, I’m sorry, Clementine – the sooner that play is over, the better.’