There'd been one at Balmoral and there was one in Lil and Warren's flat. It was of white porcelain with gilt trim. A candle holder of dark red pimpled glass, and more gilt trim, stood next to it. Lil reached up and flicked a switch as soon as they came in the door. "I always light Our Lady's vigil light first thing we come home," she said. It wasn't a candle, it was electrified. "Now, Amy, we only have one guest room, so I can't offer you a choice. I hope you'll be comfortable." She led the girl to a room of polished mahogany furniture and blue and white flocked wallpaper. The drapes and bedspread were of rose-colored silk. "It's a lovely room, Aunt Lil, thank you." "I'll send Maureen to help you unpack. Dinner is at seven-thirty." She kissed the girl lightly on the cheek. Lil always smelled of jasmine. Jessie Norman had worn the same scent, and Amy inevitably felt a catch in her throat after one of Lil's embraces. "Welcome, darling," Lil said. "We want you to be completely at home." Quite soon Amy did feel at home.
