If Rachel said anything I’d just have to stutter that I had been terribly worried about everything.

‘Do I? No, it’s … I’ve j-j-just been terribly worried about everything. What eck-eck-exactly did your mother say?’

‘God, it’s all so difficult to believe, I know. But you mustn’t worry, love. It’s not your fault.’

‘I feel responsible.’

‘Rubbish. My idea in the first place … It was awful, though. She just came into my room and said, quite calmly, “I know you haven’t been staying at Nanny’s. Would you please tell me where you have been staying, or shall I call the police?”’

‘The police. Mm, like hell. Who does she think she is? Doesn’t she see that none of that’s on any more? You’re twenty, for fuck’s sake, she can’t – ’

‘I told you she was neurotic about some things. I think Daddy …’ Rachel knitted her fingers and looked down at her lap.

‘What did you tell her?’

‘Told her the truth.’

‘Couldn’t you have sort of made up something? No. I suppose not.’

She sank towards me, shaking and sniffing softly. I put my arm round her should and finished my drink.