‘Excellent. It’s about time you took an interest there. I shan’t live for ever, you know, and then the business will be yours. Heaven knows what you get up to in London, working at that art dealer’s, but it seems a bit of a come-and-go kind of job. You’ll need to take over from me at Stellion’s Brewery at some point, so you might as well begin learning what’s what now.’

Art dealer’s? Is that what James has told them?

Gina hadn’t thought through that James would have had to lie to his parents about what he did – make up a whole alternative life – but how could he not? Yesterday, when the family had gone to Manchester for the concert Edith had chosen, George had been sporting a very nice pair of gold cuff links, which James had given him for his birthday. Gina would have bet almost anything that they hadn’t been bought in any jeweller’s.

Gina, James and Diana walked Coco through the gardens. The little dog was endlessly entertaining and provided a talking point for the three of them, although Diana addressed most of her remarks to James, rather sidelining Gina.

‘What’s he up to now?’

‘I think he’s scented a rabbit or summat,’ said Gina, as Coco raced into the herbaceous border, snuffling among the spring bulbs.

‘Ridiculous creature, but I do love him,’ said Diana. ‘Piggy sends her regards, by the way, James. I meant to say earlier. She wants to go to see that film Bus Stop and I said I’d ask if you want to go, too.’

‘I might.’

‘Well, let me know, though I realise you have a heavy social life in London these days.’

And she’s making it quite clear I’m not a part of that. Gina began to feel left out, which she knew was Diana’s intention.

‘Right, well, it’s chilly out here and I think I’ll go and get my stuff together before lunch,’ said Diana.

‘Lightweight,’ laughed James. ‘You’re turning into a soft southerner.’

‘So what?’ Diana answered, twirling round and heading towards the side of the house, her hands in her pockets.

‘I thought she’d never go,’ said James, directly she was out of hearing range. ‘I’ve been dying to speak to you alone since I arrived.’

‘Me, too. I’ve got the parcels in my room and I gather you’ve brought summat else in your luggage.’

‘A few bits and pieces I thought Bella could shift for me … for us.’

‘I’ve got a few pounds from the pawnbrokers I’ve been to since you were here at Christmas, from taking in the small pieces. I’m having to be careful and not go to the same ones very often, or take too much.’