You ignore my needling and lean close.

“Be honest: don’t you think she’s magnificent?”

“Since you do everything to stir up my jealousy I shall refuse to answer.”

“I do no such thing!” You let your voice drop in tone. “We’ve asked her to write a book for the press.” I see the gleam of mischief in your eye. “It should do extremely well. She’s very much in demand as an author. I wouldn’t be surprised if she wins a prize.”

I shift uncomfortably in my chair. I wish Duncan would come and find me.

“Actually, I’m thinking of writing a book about her. After all, you always complain if I write about you.” You look at me archly. “I thought I might try something different. Something playful and light. A spoof historical drama, for instance. We could do with new forms for all the old feelings, don’t you think? How about Vita as an Elizabethan courtier? I see her mustached and manly—though there again, she’d make a splendidly exotic foreign princess.”