Chapter 32: Chapter 32: A deft dismissal

For her part Noel couldn't get out of the flat quickly enough. Every time she looked at him she remembered Catherine Patton. To make things worse William was in a sour mood when she arrived at work and a full-blown argument erupted, as she had known it would, when he realised he wouldn't be seeing her until Sunday evening. He did his best to shepherd her out of public view into his office but Noel obstinately stood her ground.

'I'm not going anywhere private, William, I don't feel in the least like humouring you. You're being a real pig and it's about time you tried humouring me.' She flung off his arm. 'I've got a busy day so anything you want to say is going to have to wait.' Glaring at Bridget who was doing her best to disappear under the reception desk Noel stamped into her office and sat fuming at her desk. William stayed away. Gradually she calmed. She wanted to cry again. When she mapped it all out in her mind everyone acted accordingly. Why couldn't they stick to the script?