‘Oh,’ he let out a breath. ‘You know, I’m not sure that I am just now. I’m a bit busy.’ He tapped the side of his head. ‘Up here.’

He said nothing more, and if he hadn’t been unwell, I would have pressed him for an explanation. But in view of the day he was having, I decided it would be best to save that particular interrogation for another time. So instead, I rose to my feet and picked up the jug. ‘I’ll refill this and then come back for Anthony. Can I get you anything else?’

He didn’t reply, but instead gazed down at the plate of half-eaten toast on his lap. ‘Good that Kerry is talking,’ he murmured.

He didn’t look at me and his expression was so glazed that I wondered if he even realised that he’d spoken aloud.

Still holding the jug, I sat back down on the bed.

A moment or two later, he turned towards me, appearing mildly surprised to discover me still there. ‘Sorry, I missed that, Edie,’ he said, rubbing a hand across his face. ‘What did you say?’

I looked at him, wondering how much to tell him. I wanted to set his mind at rest about Kerry’s taste in men, and also to assure him that I was going to do absolutely everything in my power to ensure that neighbourly relations were fully restored. But at the same time, he looked absolutely exhausted and, on top of that, I was terrified of being judged, no matter how fairly and gently, by Giles.

Uncertain whether concern for my feelings or his health was my primary motivation for wanting to delay any discussion regarding Cameron, I decided to give Giles the final say in the matter.

‘Would you like me to stay and chat?’ I asked. ‘Or would you rather sleep? Or listen to the radio? I don’t expect you want me to stay and chat after the night you’ve had.’

He looked at me thoughtfully for a moment. ‘Would you like to stay and chat?’

‘Well, I would and I wouldn’t,’ I began hesitantly. ‘I mean, you’re not well. But, on the other hand,’ I continued, heaving a sigh, ‘I think I have something to say which will make you feel better about Kerry – as well as making me look like a complete idiot. But there’s not a lot I can do about that and, on balance, I think there’s stuff you need to hear.’ I shrugged to indicate the conclusion of my list of pros and cons.

He remained silent and motionless for several seconds and then nodded. ‘OK – tell me the stuff.’

‘Right…’ I cleared my throat and took a deep, fortifying breath. ‘Well, advanced warning: I’m going to précis wildly, because otherwise I won’t get through it without sidetracking and possibly tears. Questions will be taken at the end.’