'I found myself laughing till the tears ran down my cheeks.' Auberon Waugh

Binny is throwing a dinner party for Edward, her lover. Aware that as his mistress, she has long been denied the small intimacies that his wife takes for granted – choosing a birthday present for his sister, for example, or sorting his socks – Edward wants to give her a chance to feel more involved in his life.

Between a late start, and him having to be away by half past ten, things are a little awkward to begin with; but they soon seem to be going well. When some uninvited guests turn up, however, it looks as though Edward isn't going to make it home on time after all . . .