‘But it is fact, Sir Charles! You know this! He disapproved deeply of the Princess because he thought that she was frivolous and vapid – which she was. Quite not right for a future Emperior’s consort, or Empress. Prokesch had higher plans for his master.’

Archie scratched his head. ‘But all this wrestling, fencing … the swimming they do together.’

‘Perfectly natural, surely. Both were brilliant horsemen, both were expert fencers, both swam …’

‘But why naked, for God’s sake!’

‘Do you swim fully dressed usually?’

‘No … no, of course not. But whenever possible they seem to just tear off their clothes, for no good reason.’

‘For a very good reason, Sir Charles. The average audience is composed of women, both young and old; it gives them great delight to see two handsome males locked together in happy pastimes. More women attend boxing matches and also wrestling bouts than men, you know. This is a fact. Of course it is a sexual tease! I would be deceiving you and myself if I said it was not so. But sex is very much a part of life, it is almost all the life of the cinema. If one has two splendid young men in one’s film, of brave physique and golden looks, it would be folly, would it not, to smother them in cloaks! Willingly I admit to this, I am guilty of the crime of Box-Office Appeal! But of no other sin. Do you think that I would be capable of such slander, such stupidity? l’Aiglon is a national hero in France to this day! If I damaged his reputation by so much as a hair that would be the end of my work in that country. I would be hounded from pillar to post. It would cause such a scandal that I would be bankrupt both financially and in my reputation of which I am deeply proud.’ He sat back watching Archie through half-closed eyes which could suggest distress or caution, depending on who was watching.

Archie was not. He was nervously tapping his cigarette against his hand. ‘Lesbians,’ he muttered finally.

Grottorosso leant forward, eyes open. ‘Lesbians? Did I hear your correctly?’

‘Countess Commerata. Very savage portrait indeed.’

‘She dressed as a man, rode as a man, fought as a man. We say nothing of any other disadvantage.’

‘Implied:

‘The word is not mentioned once anywhere. Is it?’

‘No … but…’ He busily brushed his lapel.

Grottorosso gained courage, rose to attack. Gently. ‘I think, Sir Charles that everything which worries you, distresses you perhaps, so much is only ever, in your word, implied? At no time in my script do l’Aiglon or Prokesch go beyond the bounds of correct behaviour, nor do they behave together in such a manner that would offend their standing as a future Emperor and his true adviser, as honourable soldiers, men at arms. Can you truthfully give me one single instance? Please, I beg you, say!’