While they strolled together on the promenade deck, Arthur told her something about his life and asked about hers. There was no sign of the judgemental attitude his wife had demonstrated – Arthur took a friendly interest in Evie and gave no indication that he found her life mundane or worthy of pity. She was unaccustomed to spending time with members of the opposite sex – Mrs Shipley-Thomas had rarely received guests and when she did they were other women. But Evie felt comfortable and relaxed in Arthur Leighton’s company and they enjoyed easy and amicable conversations.

One afternoon, while leaning against the rails at the stern of the ship, watching the ship’s wake, she found herself telling Arthur about what had happened to her father. ‘I had no idea that Daddy had done anything wrong. He worked for a bank and they claimed he was diverting client funds into his own account.’

‘You believe he was wrongly accused?’

‘I did at first. It was too painful to think him capable of such wrongdoing. But the evidence was incontrovertible.’

‘I’m sorry, Evie. That must have been tough on you.’ His eyes were full of concern.

‘It was awful coming to terms with the fact that my father was a thief. Even though he probably didn’t see it that way himself. I expect he thought making a few false entries on a ledger was a less heinous crime than committing a burglary.’ She shrugged ruefully. ‘A gentleman’s crime. His death was the final proof for me that he was guilty.’ She looked out to sea. ‘He left a note confirming his wrongdoing. Said he’d been overcome by greed. But I think it was more about fear that he was going to lose my mother.’

Arthur looked at her with a quizzical expression.

‘Mummy was romantically involved with an American man, Walter Winchgate. He’s stinking rich. Something to do with oil. When Daddy found out she was having an affair, he must have thought he couldn’t win her back unless he could offer her the same kind of life that Winchgate could.’ She shook her head. ‘My mother is a materialistic woman. Very self-centred. Money is everything to her. Family is nothing.’ She gave Arthur a rueful smile. ‘When Daddy died in disgrace and there was no money left, she married Winchgate.’

‘But what about you?’

‘Mummy never had much time for me. We’re very different. A clash of personalities. Since she went to America we’ve barely been in touch. I write occasionally; she sends cards for my birthday and Christmas. ’

Arthur said nothing, but kept his eyes on Evie’s face.

‘In the letter he left for us, Daddy said he’d only wanted to do the best for her. He apologised for bringing shame on the family name and on Mummy and me.’ She sighed. ‘But I’d rather have lived with the shame than have him die. I miss him terribly.’

‘How very sad. He took his own life?’

‘Blew out his brains with a pistol he’d kept from the war.’