They stood there on the landing, elbows brushing, and Billy let himself smile for a moment. He adjusted Goodnight surreptitiously, straightening his tie and smoothing his waistcoat lapels, with their little fleur de lis pins, and then the lapels of his jacket as well.

Once everything was smooth and straight, Billy tucked his hands into the pockets of his trousers to keep himself in order.

"I know a man with a good tailor and a rich mother," he said blandly, that smile still curling his lips.