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Ruth ses,’ she replied a little unconvincingly

‘Like what?’ pressed Max

‘Tax at 20 per cent’

‘That sounds like a good reason for Angus being on Jersey – but not you In any case, I’d still rather be in England and pay 40 per cent’

‘Now that he’s retired and living on a fixed incoh, we couldn’t have ’

‘So, Brighton’s as good as it gets,’ said Max, with a grin

The nocchi, which he placed in front of thee side salad in the centre of the table

‘I’ne ‘Angus has always been very considerate I want for nothing’

‘Nothing?’ Max repeated, as a hand disappeared under the table and rested on her knee

Ruth knew that she should have removed it immediately, but she didn’t

When Max eventually took his hand away and began to concentrate on the gnocchi, Ruth tried to act as if nothing had happened

‘Anything worth seeing in the West End?’ she asked casually ‘I’ood’

‘It certainly is,’ replied Max ‘I went to the opening night’

‘Oh, as that?’ asked Ruth innocently

‘About five years ago,’ Max replied