I appreciated ‘and partner.’ A degree of anonymity was welcome. The drawing room was about the size of four tennis courts; ample room for fifteen to play but one look round the room made me think that it wouldn’t be restricted to mixed doubles. Soft illumination came from wall lights and table lamps with heavy shades. It was a room where pools of light were surrounded by shadowy areas. Something for every taste. Lady T wore a severe black frock relieved only by a double row of pearls, but without exception her guests were in varying degrees of undress. In fact, a semi-naked couple on a couch were fondling each other with a fervour that left no doubt about their intentions. Others were taking advantage of large scatter cushions on the floor. Casey took my hand as Lady T approached.

“I promised to bring you a present,” she said, “and here he is.”

“Splendid,” said her Ladyship, offering a lightly powdered cheek for me to kiss. When I obliged, she murmured, “I shall expect more than that, young man. But I have learned that any present brought to a party should be saved until last. I’m afraid some people have already begun. But do join in when you’re ready. Don’t let him stand on ceremony, Casey.” Her hand descended into my groin and explored. Inside my trousers, my erection was beyond concealment. “Good. Very good, I’m sure. I shall look forward to that. But enjoy yourselves, first.”

Jordan materialised bearing a tray of champagne cocktails. We stood drinking them while I wondered precisely how we would enjoy ourselves. What was the next move? My uncertainty was compounded by the fact that I had begun to recognise the faces of some of the gropers and the groped who were a stage or two ahead of us. One cabinet member, two female television presenters, a national newspaper proprietor, a black footballer - I couldn’t put names to them all but I understood entirely why there would be no formal introductions.

“Would you mind?” I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to reply to a tall man with a craggy face and greying hair; hadn’t I seen him recently in a Chekov revival in Shaftesbury Avenue? And the voice was familiar. “Casey and I have met before. I never forget an arse - certainly not one as tempting as this.” He ran a hand across the back of Casey’s green silk dress, drawing the material taut against her rear. And to me: “You won’t mind, will you?”

The smile that Casey gave me carried more than one message. On the one hand it said she knew what to expect and wanted it, but at the same time it was meant to reassure me that whatever might transpire in the next few hours we would ultimately find each other again. For now, nothing is serious. Just have fun. I watched as the tall actor led Casey to a straight-backed chair. When he sat down, she immediately arranged herself face down across his lap. Clearly, they had met before, probably more than once. He peeled back her skirt to reveal green French knickers. His hand