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The allusion gave Monica her entry. ‘Yes, it is, but I always feel that Celia is far more country than I am. I am an old Cockney at heart and to me the quiet is almost suffocating sometimes.’

Norah’s face fell; she was aware of an approaching announcement. ‘Don’t tell me you are thinking of going back to London? I don’t see how Celia could get on without you and her music.’

‘Going back? No indeed. But London is coming to me. That’s my news, Norah. I wanted to tell you and Celia at once. Clive and Hester have been feeling that I must be lonely and they are coming down to be near me. They have bought The Crofts. They will be here in six weeks’ time.’

Norah, sitting on the sofa opposite, stared at her, and slowly the astonishment on her face gave way to reprobation.

‘They are coming to live here? All the year round?’

‘Yes. They are giving up London.’

Norah gazed heavily. ‘Why did they keep it dark?’

It was an unpleasant echo of her own thought, but Monica had her reply, and Hester’s, ready.

‘They wanted to be sure. And they wanted to surprise me. Hester told me only yesterday. You