‘This is my English granny’s drawing room, what a period piece. So artistic in that peculiar Victorian way. All those whatnots and tapestry-covered chairs – there’s one over there, it’s hideous, isn’t it? – and blue and white vases. Piles and piles of papers – she loved telling other people how to lead their lives. As a little girl I thought it was beautiful, and it was enormous, compared to today’s houses.’
Pandora peers at the photograph. ‘Well, I think it’s quite charming.’ She looks round the room. ‘Some day people may feel that a beige interior with sand-coloured curtains is not so wonderful.’
‘They may, but you like this room, don’t you? Of course we did it up a long time ago.’
‘I like it because it’s yours, and I’m used to it. By the way, surely I recognise that sofa, isn’t it in Irene’s studio?’
‘Yes, Mother did keep a few things. When you go through the studio you’ll find more, I expect. When the probate is settled.’
‘When the probate is settled.’ Pandora stands up. ‘But I suppose it’s all right for me to go and look at the studio now, isn’t it?’
Dorothea looks at her daughter sharply. ‘Yes, I believe so. Of course you’ll be selling it.’
‘Oh but I don’t want to sell it.’
‘What on earth would you do with it, darling?’
‘Live in it.’
‘Live in it? But what a strange idea, who’d want to live in a funny old place like that?’
‘I would. I love it.’
Dorothea is standing too, facing her daughter. ‘I know you went there all the time. . . Pandora, why would you want to live there, how would you pay the bills? Surely you’re better in a little flat with chums?’
‘Mum, don’t be so annoying. I’m twenty-six, let me remind you. I don’t want to live “in a little flat with chums”. And Granny didn’t only leave me the studio.’ Her mother turns away, frowning. ‘I can certainly “pay the bills”, as you put it.’