Five minutes later they stood inside the drawing room at Kinderhook. Their hostess had gone to the kitchen to have a word with the two hired waiters.

‘I hate arriving first,’ Antonia whispered.

‘I thought it was being ushered into a crowded room you didn’t like… I have actually seen her before. She drives about in a cerise-coloured two-seater. She always wears a scarf round her head and dark glasses, even when it is far from sunny. The Garbo touch. Her nose is a perfect shape. She is the diva divina type. She seems in a febrile state – is she always like that?’

‘I believe she gave you the glad eye.’

‘I am sure you imagined it.’

‘I didn’t imagine it.’

‘You are notorious for your writer’s imagination. The roses were a hit. She adores purple roses. I believe she meant it. I promise to try not to say anything remotely funny,’ said Payne firmly. ‘We don’t want another Bee Ardleigh kind of situation, do we?’

‘She seems worried someone might not turn up, it’s the way she keeps glancing at her watch.’

‘I bet it’s her newly acquired toy-boy who’s causing her anxiety-’

‘Keep your voice down.’ Antonia cast a nervous glance at the door. ‘Terrible manners, standing around whispering!’

‘Golly, she was Joan of Arc – look at those photos!’ Payne pointed to the wall. ‘I’d say that photo was taken about thirty-five years ago. Theatrical make-up is a great giveaway. I must say she’s holding the sword most expertly – like a real pro. And there she is with a cocktail shaker, looking adventurous in taffeta – what play would that be?’

‘Some drawing-room comedy. William Douglas-Home?’

‘It could be an Agatha Christie… Spider’s Web? I wonder if she was Clarissa… D’you think she’d make a good murderess?’

‘Do you mean on stage or in real life? I can’t imagine her having the patience to plot and premeditate… Clarissa didn’t murder anyone, did she?’