I can't remember his surname, so I don't know what hers is now. She was going to send me her new address, but she didn't do so and I've never heard from her since - until now.'

'You'll certainly have masses to talk about,' Gerry said.

Lord Burford gave a grunt. 'Well, as long as no one expects me to talk to this husband about sheep, I don't mind. I'm going to be fully occupied with Rex and Haggermeir. Stupid creatures.'

Gerry grinned. 'Rex and Haggermeir?'

'No — sheep. Anyone seen my copy of Photoplay?' He went to the other side of the room and started vaguely picking up cushions.

Gerry said, 'Mummy, did you remember her husband's first name?'

'No; fortunately, Cecily supplied it - Sebastian. I wonder what he'll be like. And what can I do with him all weekend?'

'I don't expect he'll be any trouble: a stable for his kangaroo, an open space to practice his boomerang throwing, plenty of billabongs to eat—'

'Don't be silly, Geraldine. It's just that sort of facetiousness that irritates colonials - quite justifiably.'

'Sorry. You mean you don't want him to be unoccupied all weekend?'

'Well, I can see your father monopolising this Ransom man, and I can't imagine Sebastian having a lot in common with Mr Haggermeir or the Gilbert person.'

'So you'd like there to be additional manpower here?'

'It might be convenient.'

'Mm.' Gerry was silent for a moment. Then she said, 'Excuse me,' and left the room.

She was back in ten minutes. 'Problem solved,' she announced. 'Paul Carter and Hugh Quartus are both willing to help out.'

'Lady Burford jerked her head up. 'You've invited them both — for this weekend?'

'Yes. Wasn't it lucky they were free?'

'Really, Geraldine! That's very naughty of you.'

'But you said you wanted extra manpower.'

'One extra man - not two. And certainly not two who are almost strangers to me.'

'It doesn't matter if they're strangers to you. They're not coming to amuse you. I've made it clear that their main function will be to entertain my wild colonial second-cousin-in-law-once-removed Sebastian. It was necessary to invite both because we don't know what he's like. Now, Paul can discuss lowbrow things like sport and the London shows, and Hugh can talk about literature and art. Paul can play him at billiards, Hugh at chess. You ought to be grateful you have a daughter who can supply a man for every occasion.'

 

* * *

 

Paul Carter put the receiver down and gave vent to a loud whoop of joy.

It had to be a good sign. It had to be. True, it was short notice to be invited for a weekend - almost as though he was a last-minute addition. But he had been invited. It must mean something - other than merely helping with the Australian relative.

He'd been rather uneasy lately about Gerry. At one time things had been hunky-dory between them. Then she'd seemed to cool off and he'd started to have horrible misgivings.

But now this. Glorious Alderley.