‘Oh, by the way. The auction is set for 26 May at Sotheby’s. They’re doing the valuations shortly.’

We had never discussed the price discrepancy between our two bequests but by avoiding mention of it, I was suspicious that Oliver was peeved by the greater value of my sculpture over his painting. His silence spoke volumes.

Oliver went out at lunchtime and although I told him I’d be leaving early, I’d already decided to take a half day. I didn’t want to risk more awkward questions.

James was waiting patiently when I arrived. He was wearing a sports jacket and light chinos and at first I didn’t recognise him without his dark suit. His hair had been washed and a strong smell of aftershave clung to him.

‘Hi. You look lovely,’ he said. His smile had a nervous edge to it.

‘So do you.’ I leant across and kissed him. He put his hands round my waist and let out a barely audible puff of air.

‘One quick drink before we go.’ He pulled me down and I noticed a small leather holdall under the table. I placed my own alongside; a guilty duo. James had already bought the wine and lifted the bottle to fill our glasses.

Although James was keen to get away, onto an outward-bound train, where the likelihood of meeting anyone familiar would decrease with each passing mile, a glass of wine would help us unwind. After a couple of large glasses of Chablis, we relaxed and the brown holdalls became less accusatory.

It was over James’s shoulder, as he leant in to nibble my neck, that I saw him. The monster of a silhouette blocking the doorway. I frantically straightened my blouse and pushed my hair back from my eyes while James stood up.

Although not as tall as Oliver, James’s air of confidence lent him stature. For a moment I thought Oliver was going to turn round and leave. He didn’t.

‘Hi, Oliver. What a coincidence meeting both of my employees in the same bar.’ James was good. The two men shook hands. ‘Would you like to join us for a drink?’

I nudged our bags further under the table.

‘Hi. Jodi’ll be here soon, so I’m not stopping.’ If James wondered what I was talking about he didn’t flinch.

It was Oliver who spoke next. ‘No, it’s okay. I’m not stopping either. I fancied a quick one for the road, that was all.’

Oliver summed up the situation well. He knew what was going on; he was no fool. Without a further word, he turned round and headed back out the way he’d come.