How did it go this morning? I rang you earlier but there was no answer and I guessed you were running late. Same crowd as usual? Listen, I’ve been in touch with that woman who advertised as a housekeeper and she sounded reasonable. A Miss Locke. I suggested she meets us over at Montague’s place so he can meet her too.’ ‘Hold on a moment, Hettie! You’re rambling on so. You say the two of you are going to meet at Montague’s? But when is this? You should have spoken to me first.’ She rubbed her eyes, still slightly drowsy from her brief sleep. ‘Sorry, Dilys, but I am rather rushed. It’s this coming Friday at eleven o’clock. I’ve checked with that girl at Montague’s and she says . . .’ ‘But suppose it isn’t convenient for me to be there? I’ll have to check my diary. I have a feeling there’s something on Friday . . .’ ‘Then please do check, Dilys. If necessary I’ll have to change the arrangements.’ Muttering under her breath about Hettie’s lack of consideration, Dilys found her diary and discovered that the suggested date was not suitable.
