She would’ve jumped at the chance of a lie-in with Crillick, we both knew it, but tiresome as her jealousy was, I didn’t want a row. Best not to say anything about my day trip with Vincent either. The mood she was in I doubted she’d be pleased to see how our relationship was growing.

‘Don’t be glaring at me, Zillah. I hope you were careful at least? You know I only say it for your own good.’

That, and she couldn’t refuse to have a dig. She knew I was careful – you didn’t grow up in St Giles without knowing that a vinegar douche would keep your courses running – but the night with Vincent had left me in too good a mood to be spiteful.

‘You must be happy Crillick’s back?’

‘I’m sure he’s missed me. Speak of the devil.’

I turned, and there he was, striding towards us.

Marcus Crillick was thickset but not particularly tall. There was a coarse look about him which couldn’t be disguised, no matter how much money he spent on tailoring. His hair was fair, with a tinge of red; the whiskers that covered his cheeks connected by a thin moustache. He’d always put me in mind of a fox, especially when he smiled.

‘Well, well, well. My two favourite girls,’ he said by way of greeting. My eyes flickered across to Ellen. I knew she wouldn’t like that and, sure enough, her teeth were clenched but she smiled sweetly at him. She knew not to show him her temper; I had no doubt that someone would catch it, though.

‘We’ve been practising to make sure things were perfect for you,’ Ellen simpered.

‘That’s right. I asked Barky to call you in. My trip was very fruitful. I’ve got lots of new ideas for the show, and some presents too, but first I wanted a reminder of your performance. It’s been a while since I’ve seen it.’

‘Mikey and Bob aren’t here,’ I said.

‘We’ll have to manage without them then,’ Crillick said. Of course, he wasn’t that bothered. It was Ellen and me that he wanted to ogle.

‘Aren’t you going to open your gift first?’ he said.

He jerked his head at a heavy leather trunk on the left-hand side of the stage. I knelt down before it, unbuckled the straps and eased back the lid. Layers of tissue paper. There was something delicate in here, but I was hesitant to go further.

‘Go on, Zillah,’ Ellen said. I could tell she was curious but I picked up the sharpness of jealousy in her voice too. I hoped Crillick had bought something for her as well as me.