He's the painter, isn't he?'

'That's right.'

'Make any money at it?'

'Shouldn't think so; he lives pretty frugally. But he won't discuss it. Or anything about his background. I think he's a bit ashamed of his family, actually.'

'Well, I don't think that's very nice.'

'I'm sure there's a good reason for it.'

'Sounds rather mysterious. Is that part of his appeal?'

'Could be, I suppose. Paul is so open about his background.'

'Yes, I remember, he told me. Rather amusin' actually. "Of course, sir," he said, "I've got no breeding at all; nouveau riche you'd call me, I daresay." I quite warmed to him.'

'Yes, that's Paul all over. The nouveau riche thing is rubbish, of course; he went to Eton, after all, even though his grandfather did start life as a factory hand.'

'Mill owner eventually, wasn't he?'

'Iron foundry. Paul's mother was his only child. She and Paul's father were killed when Paul was a baby, and his grandfather brought him up. Then, when he died about ten years ago, he left Paul his entire fortune.'

'Well, families like ours can do with a stiffenin' of tough working-class backbone every other generation. Stops us becomin' effete.'

'Daddy, remember we're only talking about an engagement.'

'Sorry. Must admit, though, that I'd rather you got engaged to a chap with a bit of money than a penniless artist. Not that you need it, but I fancy you might always have the uneasy feeling he'd married - er, got engaged to you for your money.'

'I'm certain Hugh wouldn't do that.'

'You've talked to your mother about this, I suppose.'

'Definitely not. As far as Mummy's concerned they're just casual boyfriends, two of the crowd. If she knew I was thinking of becoming engaged to one of them she'd start vetting his background and finances for husband-suitability. And that would be too shaming. I'll tell her as soon as I make up my mind. OK?'

'So long as you promise not to go running off to Gretna Green to get married or somethin'.'

As if I would!'

'You wouldn't be the first member of the family to try it. Remember your great grandfather Aylwin.'

'I don't want to remember the old scoundrel. I want to think about Paul and Hugh. I've had a sort of idea that might help me decide. I thought I might have them both to stay for a bit.'

'You've had 'em both to stay before. Didn't help much apparently.'

'No, I mean have them at the same time. It occurred to me that if I could see them side by side over several days it would be easier to compare them. What do you think?'

'That it would be highly embarrassin'.'

'Yes, it would be if we had just the two of them. It would be pretty obviously a sort of audition. But if we were to throw a little house party, then—'

'No!'

'I don't mean straight away. After Christmas.'

'No, Geraldine! Good gad, I thought after what happened last time you'd have had enough of house parties for the rest of your life.