SILK WICKEDNESS 30

There was no reply. Only the gasping, indrawn breath that comes before a river of tears.

It was well over an hour later that Claudia left her. For the rest of the afternoon she waited in an agony of impatience for Guy to return.

He phoned at five. T’m just back and I’m shattered. I’ll sleep for a couple of hours before dinner.’

A couple of hours weren’t going to make much difference. ‘Fine. I’ll be ready when you are.’

‘How’s Anoushka been?’

Leave it for later. ‘Exhausted. She’s been sleeping most of the day.*

‘I thought as much. I gave her a knock on my way up but she didn’t answer.’ He paused, and his voice lost its crisp- and-businesslike tone. ‘How are you, after all the dramas?’

‘Fine.’

‘You sound a bit tense.*

‘I’m fine, really.’

‘Then I’ll see you later. If I’m not with you by seven- thirty, give me a ring.*

‘I will. Sleep well.’

He arrived all fresh and showered and looking as if he’d had at least six hours’ sleep the night before. He kissed her and told her she looked great a