‘I forget. It doesn’t matter.’

It did to me, a little. I’m not domineering but I don’t like having feet wiped on my face. Besides, it’s a bad working relationship. Mutual respect, that’s the thing to shoot for. I broke for cover.

‘I charge seventy-five dollars a day and expenses. I don’t touch political work and I don’t beat people up unless they try to beat on me.’

Her mouth slid down into a sour arc. ‘Ridiculous. That could run into thousands.’

I felt more relaxed, a chink in the armour. ‘It seldom does,’ I said soothingly. ‘Most matters are resolved one way or the other fairly quickly. I reduce the rates for the exceptions, when it’s a sort of long-term watching brief.’

I’d made a concession. She looked happier. ‘You’re in an unsavoury trade, Mr Hardy.’

‘It’s a living, like any other.’

‘No, that’s where you’re wrong. There are differences. The only honourable money is the sort of money that built and sustained this house.’ She looked around the walls. ‘Money from the land, money from the professions.’

I shrugged. She was a bit boring. Then it struck me that she burbled on like this because she was lonely, didn’t get enough people to talk to. Another chink.

‘Tell me about your grandson, Lady Catherine.’ I took out a pad and pen. ‘What’s his name?’

‘I don’t know.’

That wasn’t boring. I tapped the pen on the pad and waited for her to go on. She enjoyed the effect of the statement. I began to warm to her, a little.

‘It’s a long story, would you care for some tea?’

I wouldn’t but said I would and thanked her. I sensed that she’d rehearsed this scene in her mind and that it was important to her that it be played just right. I hate tea, but if tea was part of it I’d go along.

‘Good, some should be arriving presently.’ She glanced at a tiny gold watch and nodded confirmation; her eyesight was remarkable.