Capri 1949

The restaurant was buzzing with life when they entered and they were immediately welcomed by the smiling face of the concierge Angelo.

"Ah my old friends, it's good to see you again," he told them shaking James' hand a little over enthusiastically before bowing low and kissing Helen's hand dramatically. "I have a perfect table for you!" he cooed and James and Helen shared a look before following him through the crowded room.

Angelo was true to his word and seated them a little way away from the main dining area, just beside the doors that lead out onto the terrace behind. The hint of breeze felt delicious in the stifling heat of the smoky restaurant and Helen was glad for the privacy as they ate.

"That colour really suits you, you know. You look wonderful Helen," James told her after a while and she gave him a wan smile, her lashes fluttering as she dropped her gaze to her plate, pushing a piece of tomato around with her fork. James set his glass down and chewed on his lip for a moment. "Helen," he continued softly. "What's wrong?"

Helen forced a smile and raised her head to meet his eyes. "Nothing," she said, reaching her hand across and placing it on top of his. "Nothing's wrong James," she assured him but he regarded her sceptically.

"I know you weren't happy with our discussion the other night," he began and Helen shook her head.

"Really, James, I don't think I have the energy to discuss it right now," she told him, her voice tight.

"I know you're not happy in London but do you really think..."

"OH MY GOODNESS!" A loud female voice interrupted him and Helen raised her head to see the smiling face of Audrey Sacksville-West standing a few yards away. "Oh how wonderful! Helen! James!" she gushed, stepping closer. "It's so very good to see you!"

"Hello Audrey," Helen said in a tired voice.

"Freddie said he'd bumped into you but that you had to dash off. I was going to call on you!" Audrey explained as she moved closer, leaning forward to plant loud kisses on Helen's cheeks. Helen graciously received the greeting and ignored the subtle quirk of James brow as she reached up to squeeze Audrey's arms fondly. When she was done kissing Helen, Audrey turned to James who pressed against the back of his chair and stiffly extended his hand towards her, eager to avoid the same fate. Audrey let out a little huff of laughter and clutched at his fingers for a moment. "Oh won't you come and have a drink with us? You remember my son Freddie don't you?" She gestured towards the back of the restaurant and James averted his eyes while Helen smiled politely and Audrey pulled up a chair.

"Oh, dear but it's really been too long! When was it? Thirty Seven? Thirty Eight? And I know Frederick would appreciate the company." She paused for a moment and when she spoke again it was in a sombre tone. "It's been very hard for him, since he came back. He was in Singapore when they surrendered. He won't talk to me about it but you hear stories, awful stories." Helen reached out and clasped her hand, nodding sympathetically. "Oh but listen to me harping on. It's not as though we didn't all have to put up with our fair share of misery!" At that, Audrey clapped her hands together and stood up abruptly. "Now won't you come and have some desert with us?"

"Oh Audrey, I'm so sorry, really I am but you see we were just leaving," she explained and Audrey's face fell.

"Of course," she answered in an overly chipper tone a moment later. "Oh well, you must come for tea tomorrow! We're staying up in Anacapri these days, we've just come down for dinner with some American friends. Richard Alexander and his wife,do you know them? He's just bought some land on the Piccola Marina, going to build a hotel and they've commissioned me to do the interior design!" she babbled.

"Oh that's wonderful news Audrey. Although I'm afraid we're going to Naples for a couple of days and I'm not quite sure when we'll be back," Helen lied. Audrey pouted and made a face.

"Oh, oh that is shame. Well, you must call on me when you get back. You are coming back aren't you?" Helen looked at James and there was a tense silence before she replied.

"Yes, yes, of course I'll call on you," Helen finally conceded and Audrey was happy once again.

"Excellent," she said, clutching Helen's hand and squeezing it firmly. "We're at the Villa Giovanna, in Anacapri. Turn left past the church and just follow the road all the way to the end. Great orange building, you absolutely can't miss it!" Helen smiled and nodded and Audrey nodded and smiled.