I smiled back at him but inside my heart sank. From tomorrow I’d see Crillick not only at the theatre but when I spent time with Vincent in the evenings. It was too much. I’d have to find a way to help Vincent and his father reconcile so that his allowance would be restored and we could find rooms together.

Vincent led me up the steps. Before he even had a chance to knock, the door opened in front of him. Sikkings the butler bowed low, but when Vincent told him to take my scarf, he held it between the very tips of his fingers as though it was infested. Vincent didn’t seem to notice and waved him away when he asked if we wanted anything further.

‘The lady and I are retiring to my room and are not to be disturbed,’ he said. Knowing how Sikkings’s mind worked, I felt my face flame with embarrassment. I tried not to kid myself about what it was between me and Vincent, but having spent whole days together in these last three weeks we’d learnt that we enjoyed each other’s company outside the bedroom.

Vincent’s room was done out in pleasant greens. There was a desk for him to work at, and I’d taken over the small chaise longue and dressing table. Vincent and I had been playing house in Crillick’s absence. In the last day or so, I’d caught myself wanting to think of things as belonging to us. Silly girl. Crillick’s return made it clear that I could take nothing for granted.

The centre of the room was dominated by a large canopy bed. I undressed and slipped between the covers, for though the fire had been lit the high ceilings meant it was chill and draughty. The cold reminded me of the various rooms I’d rented in St Giles, but apart from that there were no other similarities. Vincent climbed into bed after me and swore softly as his foot connected with the warming pan. The servants must’ve forgotten to remove it. I couldn’t help but laugh, but instead of being angered he only slapped at me playfully.

We lay close, drawing from each other’s warmth, my head nestled on his bare chest.

‘Do you think I’m wrong to play Amazonia at Crillick’s?’ I said.

Vincent sat up. ‘You’re asking lots of questions tonight, Zillah. I do wish you’d tell me if something has happened to upset you.’

‘Nothing has happened.’

‘Then shhh, my love. Let’s just be together.’

‘I can’t help thinking about it.’

Vincent let out a sigh. ‘Why shouldn’t you play her?’

‘It’s dishonest, isn’t it?’

‘It’s acting is all. No different from that fellow Aldous and the tricks he performs.’