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‘The head of security will personally make sure it isn’t opened again until the Countess has left,’ replied the sergeant, as the van came to a halt at the lights. ‘He couldn’t have been more cooperative.’

‘Time to call the boss,’ said Lamont. He picked up the phone, and the next voice he heard was Miles Faulkner’s.

‘Is the ladies’ loo locked?’ was his only question.

‘Yes, it is,’ he replied, as the lights turned green. Lamont switched off the phone, turned left and disappeared out of sight.

•••

‘Is everything in place?’ asked Booth Watson after Miles had put down the phone.

‘Exactly as we planned,’ said Miles.

Booth Watson poured himself a drink. ‘And no one was suspicious?’

‘When five uniformed policemen with sniffer dogs turn up on your doorstep, even the most vigilant security guards fall in line. Lamont even called Roberts in advance to warn him they were on their way.’

‘So, when HRH pulls the cord this evening …’

•••

‘I can’t make up my mind what to wear for the unveiling,’ said Beth as William stepped out of the shower.

‘What’s the choice?’ he asked as he pulled open his shirt drawer.

‘I’m down to the Gucci blue dress with a white collar that I bought in Milan when we were on holiday, or the Armani classic grey suit that Christina gave me.’

‘I’ve always liked the blue dress,’ said William, as he buttoned up his shirt.

‘But is it the right look for the director of a national gallery when accompanying a member of the royal family?’

‘Then it has to be the grey suit,’ he said as he pulled on his trousers.

‘But don’t you think it’s a bit dull for such a special occasion?’

‘If you say so,’ said William as he selected a dark blue suit from the closet, while Beth stood in front of the mirror in her underwear, holding up both outfits.

‘How about the red cashmere suit Christina gave you for your birthday?’ suggested William.

‘I wore it for the board meeting last month.’

‘Of course you did,’ said William. ‘But then there’s the yellow jumpsuit I’ve always liked.’

‘Not suitable for royalty,’ she announced.

William selected a red silk tie from the rack.

‘I think I’ll settle for the blue dress.’

‘Good idea,’ said William as he tied his tie.

‘But on the other hand …’

‘Well, I’m off,’ said William, ‘but I’ll let you know how it went, as soon as I get back.’

‘Very funny,’ said Beth, as she checked her watch. ‘Hell, is it already six o’clock?’

‘The grey suit,’ said William firmly. ‘Not that it matters, because whatever you wear, you’ll be the most beautiful woman in the room.’