‘We’re going to get left behind if we don’t make some changes. The Frogs are way ahead of what we have here,’ Crillick said.

‘They have villages, you say?’ said Vincent.

His grave expression was at odds with Crillick who was almost bouncing on his chair with excitement.

‘Whole villages, and not just one of each type but three or four men and women, children, too. There’s money in it.’

‘But that is not what you went there for?’

‘Oh no. That can come later. There’s another road that I’m much more interested in, but I won’t say too much, old man. All will be revealed.’

Crillick looked up at me and gave a sly smile.

‘Pretend you’ve heard nothing, Zillah. I’ll be throwing a party on Sunday evening and nothing should get in the way of what I have planned. I told you I had a surprise.’

So, the comment he’d made at last week’s rehearsal had been aimed at me and not Ellen. I could tell he was in the grip of his new scheme. An act, no doubt, but how it would fit into our current show I could not even guess. Vincent didn’t seem to know too much of it either, but I wished I’d acted a little more grateful for the props. If I lost top billing so soon after gaining it, my fellow cast members would love it. I’d have to find a way to get ahead of what was happening. Maybe Barky would know more. Perhaps this had to do with whatever the note was he’d brought Crillick that day at the theatre.

‘I’ll be seeing your little friend tonight,’ Crillick said to me.

I smiled awkwardly. He may have been trying to make me jealous, but in truth I was pleased for Ellen that she’d be seeing him soon. I knew it had been bothering her that he hadn’t sent for her since his return.

‘We’ll all be here tonight, then?’ Vincent said.

Crillick was scornful. ‘Oh no. None of that. I’ll take her to Pascoe’s. Capital service there.’

I felt a pang for Ellen that Crillick wouldn’t have her at his house. No wonder she got snippy that my relationship with Vincent had moved past that stage, especially seeing as how she and Crillick had been together so much longer than us.

‘They keep a room for me,’ Crillick continued. ‘Alexander was there last night. He asked after you. I told him I was planning a soirée for Sunday evening, said he was welcome to bring his sister along with him. Ma Alexander will be there too, you know.’

‘Oh?’ Vincent said.