Igor let himself in at around six o’clock, as was his custom through the side door of the mews entrance at the back of the house, and up the unused side staircase which Inspector Strachan had insisted on being built when Robert, Earl of Dilberne was Minister of Trade and in danger from Irish terrorists and might need a quick getaway. Adela had always felt that perhaps Isobel, his wife, was more in danger from Inspector Strachan. Igor took off his riding boots – he was seldom without them – with some difficulty, and joined Adela in the bed. It seemed to him the least he could do. He did not like to see women upset. Some complained that she was not as young as she used to be, but he was not as disturbed by age as so many of her compatriots seemed to be. So far as he was concerned many a good tune was played on an old fiddle. When she felt better they went down to the kitchen for supper. Adela explained how badly the girls were behaving, how important it was to send them abroad to finishing school to learn how to become ladies and at least learn some discrimination.
