Arthur Leighton pushed through the crowd and took his wife’s arm and drew her away. ‘Show’s over, people. Veronica isn’t feeling well,’ he said, and led her away to their car.

For a moment there was a horrified silence, before the band, which had been playing quiet waltzes, struck up a lively dance tune and people drifted back into their groupings.

Douglas looked at Evie. ‘I think it’s time we went home too. I’ll go and fetch Jasmine.’

‘She isn’t going to be pleased. She’s watching the conjuror.’ Evie looked in the direction of the large group of children.

‘That’s too bad, because we’re going.’ He turned on his heel and went off to collect his daughter.

Evie waited, uncertain what to do next. Mrs Rogers appeared at her elbow. ‘That woman’s got a screw loose. I’ve always thought so. I don’t know how her husband puts up with her. She’s a walking nightmare.’

Evie looked at her. ‘Honestly, Dorothy, I didn’t do it deliberately. I tripped and my hand slipped.’

‘Well, you jolly well should have done it deliberately. She got what she was asking for, the trollop. I’m sure it must have been the hand of God guiding you.’ Addressing the nearest people in a loud voice, she said, ‘I saw exactly what happened and I’m afraid Mrs Leighton doesn’t emerge from this well.’ Her voice was full of authority and a few people smiled at Evie in sympathy.

‘I’m afraid I’ve probably upset Doug now,’ Evie said quietly to Mrs Rogers.

‘Not if he has any sense. Everyone knows the woman has had it coming to her for a long time.’

23

They drove home in silence, Doug’s face set hard. Evie knew it was because of what Veronica had said about her trying to steal Arthur, rather than the references to his own infidelity. She decided to say nothing. Why should she? She had nothing to explain as it wasn’t true.

The following morning, Evie was sitting in the garden, thumbing through the Straits Times after Douglas had set off for Batu Lembah. An uncharacteristically sulky Jasmine had gone to school, still full of resentment at their early departure from the party. Doug had also been in ill sorts and had chosen to spend the night in the guest room. There had been no discussion of what had happened at the Penang Club and Evie decided it was best to let matters lie until they had each had a few days to let it pass.

Evie looked up as Arthur Leighton came towards her across the terrace.

‘You’ve missed Doug, I’m afraid,’ she said. Trying to keep the acidity from her voice she added, ‘How’s Veronica?’

‘It’s you I came to see, not Doug. I want to apologise for what happened yesterday.’

‘It’s not up to you to apologise. It wasn’t your fault.’

‘I’m afraid it was.’

‘What on earth do you mean?’

He pulled up a chair and sat, his head in his hands. ‘I can’t go on like this, Evie.’