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about the things he’s been doing from time to time. Listening to him is an investment. He was talking to me about that foundation. I’m glad it’s good. He’s a clever chap. Worth all that money I pay him. Or don’t you think so?’
    ‘Mmm,’ said Letitia thoughtfully. ‘Just. Yes, I suppose so. But I do keep telling you, darling, the very best cosmetic chemists are in New York. You really should think about finding some people over there. Next time you go I might come with you and talk to a few, if you won’t.’
    ‘Well, maybe I will – when I go,’ said Julian, ‘and I’d love to have you with me. But I honestly don’t think you’re going to find anyone better than Sarsted. The man’s a genius.’
    ‘No, he’s not a genius,’ said Letitia, ‘he’s a very good chemist and that’s all. He hasn’t got any creativity. He isn’t inspired. He doesn’t have any ideas.’
    ‘Mother, darling, we have enough ideas between us to keep a dozen cosmetic companies afloat. Stop fussing. What do you want to drink?’
    ‘Gin and french. And I’m hungry. Do let’s order quickly. Last time we had dinner here I seem to remember eating so much melba toast I scrunched when I moved. So common, nibbling.’
    ‘Mother,’ said Julian, laughing and signalling at the waiter, ‘you could never look common. However much you nibbled. Not in that dress, anyway.’
    ‘Do you like it, darling? Good. Cavanagh. Such a clever man.’ She glanced over her shoulder into the mirror behind her and smiled briefly at her reflection; white crepe dress,accordion pleated from the shoulders, swathed across the bosom and drawn into a tiny waist with a narrow, pale suede cummerbund; her dark hair was swept back, around her neck she wore the fabled treble-stranded Morell pearls given to her by her mother-in-law on her wedding day, and the overtly fake cluster of beads and diamante in her ears gave a style and wit to the discreet taste of the rest.
    ‘Where on earth did you get those Christmas trees?’ said Julian, touching one of the earrings. ‘I’ve never seen anything like them in my life.’
    ‘I’m very glad to hear it. I’d have thought it was a fearful waste of twenty pounds if you had. I got them at the Dior boutique in Paris. It’s a heavenly place. Full of all sorts of wonderful things. Next time you want an amusing present for someone, I suggest you go there.’
    ‘Ah,’ said Julian, ‘I’ll remember. Thank you. It’s no use looking at me in that hopeful way, Mother, you’re not going to get any gossip out of me about anyone I might or might not want to find an amusing present for. Now just tell me what you want to eat.’
    ‘I’m not looking hopeful,’ said Letitia, ‘quite the reverse. I find it much more restful when you aren’t in love with anybody. I just thought it must be about time, that’s all. Quails’ eggs, I think. And the turbot. Lovely. Lots of potatoes and spinach. To give me strength for tomorrow.’
    ‘What are you doing tomorrow?’
    ‘Meeting the accountants.’
    ‘There’s nothing to worry about, is there?’ said Julian sharply.
    ‘No, of course not. Don’t fuss. You’re more of an old woman than I am, Julian, when it comes to money. It’s just that I dislike the new man rather, and I know they’re going to query the investment budget.’
    ‘Are you sure it’s the right way to go? Should we talk about it?’
    ‘Absolutely, and no we shouldn’t. We’ve talked about it quite enough already. We need the new factory and we need a complete new range of filling machinery. Don’t worry about it, I’ll deal with them. That’s my department, you stick to cosmetic concepts.’
    ‘Don’t patronize me, Mother. I don’t like it.’ The lightheartedlook left his face briefly; his eyes grew darker and he pushed his hair back from his forehead with a rough, impatient gesture. It was an act that his fellow directors and his mistresses came to know swiftly; it meant trouble and got him